Melanie N.

I have the calm and quiet type of demeanor and have been told on several occasions that my voice is very calming. Basically, I get along with everyone. What attracted me to becoming a caregiver is that it's my calling and what I'm passionate about. It comes very naturally for me after being in this profession for over 30 years. What I enjoy about caregiving is how it makes the person I'm caring for feel. My heart is full when they feel like I've done a job well and that's my intention. I love when my clients request me! It means my heart and passions are showing.

The number one thing I enjoy most about being a caregiver is knowing that I'm helping to make someone else's day just that much easier and or enjoyable. I've met some of the most interesting and grateful people working in my role as a caregiver. Whether it was a simple task that has to be done or one that requires a little more skillfulness, at the end of it all was improved quality of life for someone in need. I love cooking and being creative in the kitchen, trying new recipes and learning from more experienced cooks. Gardening and growing my own food feeds right into that love for cooking nutritional meals. Watching others enjoy them is a bonus. I'm compassionate, a good listener and understanding. Everyone has a story to tell and I'm happy to slow down and engage. One personal achievement I'm proud of is going back to school and getting my Associate Degree. I'd been on and off with college for a very long time and it felt good to stick with a topic of interest until the end. It's introduced me to like-minded people and continues to help me in my volunteer ventures in our community and food system.