Antioch University

I have had a life-long passion for working with adults who are differently abled, and have a great amount of compassion and empathy for such individuals. I started volunteering as a peer counselor when I was working on my bachelor's degree, and found it to be incredibly rewarding. After two more volunteering positions in human services, in addition to working as a case manager and caregiver with dementia-diagnosed clients, I decided that I wanted to dedicate my life to caregiving and social services, and continue this amazing journey. There is great satisfaction in being able to assist individuals who are in need of help to maintain a quality of life that they desire, in addition to helping people to better themselves. I am very proud of the work that I have accomplished both academically, in my community, and professionally. And lastly, here's a little bit about me: I have a BA in psychology and human services, and have aspirations to return to school for a doctorate in psychology. On a personal note, I am an artist in my down time, love my two dogs, appreciate the outdoors, am an avid gardener, and very much love cooking and baking.

I am registered in the State of California Home Care Aid Registry (#7516022156). Currently, I work for 3 organizations as a caregiver. My experience as a caregiver extends to working for Lighthouse Independent Living Services as an Independent Living Services Instructor, United Cerebral Palsy as an In-Home Trainer and Heartfelt Home Care Services working with elders. My experience as a caregiver began 18 years ago as I learned a great deal about the importance of being a caregiver as I started my caregiving responsibilities for my wife. I have a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Healthy Aging and during my studies, I volunteered to work at People's Self-Help Housing working with elders helping them with counseling, transportation and other needs. I have an interesting and funny story regarding how I saved a client from paying a $260 bill. My degree is allowing me to be a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (IMF 79643). I feel it is not only important to help the client, it is important to help the family as a whole if there is difficulty. I look forward to providing counseling support to other members of the family as needed. In addition, I have a second Master of Arts degree in Education, specializing in Counseling and Guidance. I became a School Counselor and currently maintain a school counseling credential. Before working towards becoming a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (IMF 79643), I worked with at-risk students some of whom had situations where they had lost a parent due to illness which had affected their school performance. I look forward to helping elders so they can be healthy and have the opportunity to be as self sufficient as possible.

1. I became a caregiver after taking care of my 93 year old grand mother who raised me when I was a child. I also worked with the largest union in Los Angeles SEIU as a Program Director forming the first Respite Care program under then mayor Kenneth Hahn. 2. That some of the client's appreciate you for caring about them in spite of their declining disorders 3. When I formed the first Respite Program seeing the client's were grateful for the assistance of help that they received. That I will someday become a recipient of someone taking care of me.

I have spent my entire adult work life helping others. I have worked for nine years with battered women and children and am extremely knowledgeable in the field of domestic violence and the issues involved. In 2014 I retired from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services after 20 years of service as a Children's Social Worker. During the end of my service, I took FMLA leave to care for my 94 year old mother who passed away in 2015. Caring for her was a gift in my life and after retirement I was hired to work with the elderly with an agency in Los Angeles where I am still employed. I care deeply for my clients and enjoy my work with them. I also have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Psychology. I am hoping to work part time three days a week with my client. I am a good cook, conversationalist, and helper in activities of daily living. I am consistently reliable ,have a valid drivers license and insurance, a current and clear background check (Live Scan) and am registered with the Dept of Social Services as a Home Care Aide.