Debra F.

1. What makes you a great caregiver? I prefer to let my clients and their families answer that for themselves. What I can share is that integrity, competence, and humility--putting others first--are at the core of who I strive to be --in this life. These values guide how I serve, listen, and care for others each day. 2. Why did you become a caregiver? I became a caregiver because I truly love people. Serving others feels like one of the purest ways to express genuine love--the kind described by the writers of the New Testament. As Douglas Adams said, "To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." 3. What do you like about being a caregiver? It brings me great joy to know my care meets a client's needs and gives their family peace of mind--allowing them to rest without worry or guilt. Having two disabled family members myself, I understand the trust and vulnerability that come with allowing someone into that circle of care. 4. What is a personal achievement you are proud of? I was privileged to serve on a professional team caring for a quadriplegic client, providing full home care--meals, bathing, transfers (without a Hoyer lift), and colostomy and catheter care. I was later chosen to assist a family supporting a loved one with severe Autism and, more recently, helped provide 24-hour care for another quadriplegic client requiring advanced support. Outside caregiving, I successfully self-prepared for a proctored Microsoft certification exam and have taught myself conversational Spanish and basic Mandarin Chinese. 5. Tell us something about yourself. I'm a grandfather of four and remain physically active. I'm also a lifelong student of the Bible who enjoys gospel hymns, nature, animals, gardening, walking, ping pong, and audiobooks.

I, Shonita Badillo became a caregiver because I love working with the elderly and, sick. Caregiving has always been my passion because, when I was a teenager I cared for my grandmother. I enjoy being a caregiver because, it gives me joy to see a smile on my clients face, and, also I feel I can bring a lot to their life such as understanding patience and, compassion. I feel I have achieved experience over the last 15 years. As I continue to work as a caregiver I feel more confident that I know my job and, that I can relate to my clients better. I have 15 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant. I have worked in a hospitals nursing homes and, private homes. My future plans is to futher my nursing experience. I hope to find a nice family to work for because I feel I have a lot to bring to a patients life. My availability is working days part time or fulltime.