Interests

🌿 Interests & Values

I am a lifelong seeker of knowledge, driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to equity. My current advocacy includes petitioning government stakeholders to reform rehabilitation and education systems for blind children and adults—work rooted in both professional insight and lived experience. I approach challenges with creativity, humor, and resilience, often finding unconventional ways to communicate and connect. This web resume itself is a product of that creativity: a visual and narrative tool designed to show how I access the world, rather than simply listing accommodations at the end of an interview.

My journey has involved many strategic pivots in pursuit of meaningful employment, often in the face of systemic barriers. I’ve learned to adapt, persist, and reimagine my path—values that mirror the very essence of geriatric social work. Whether supporting aging veterans through transitions or advocating for inclusive care, I bring a spirit of gentle determination and intuitive understanding.

Art and storytelling are central to how I process and cope. I draw and doodle to navigate stress, and I find solace in literature and history—especially the works of Charles Dickens, whose empathy for the marginalized resonates deeply with me. I’m often immersed in The Great Courses or classic tales like Alice in Wonderland, finding parallels between those journeys and my own.

My connection to animals, especially guide dogs and horses, has shaped my sense of trust and companionship. I still remember my first guide dog, Charlie—a name I’d loved since childhood—whose presence felt like divine reassurance. I’ve spent summers in the Adirondacks, rowing for hours and bonding with my grandparents’ horse, Amigo, whose mischievous charm taught me that beauty lies in spirit, not appearance.

One of my earliest memories is of following a wooded path to find my grandmother at camp—a moment that taught me courage, direction, and the comfort of being found. That path, both literal and metaphorical, continues to guide me. I believe that when my time comes, it will lead me back to her.

These experiences have instilled in me a profound respect for aging, loss, and the fragility of the human body. My disability taught me that difference is not deficiency, and my faith reminds me to begin with the end in mind: to live with love, purpose, and integrity. I strive to embody these values in every interaction—with clients, colleagues, and communities.