www. nssra. org 13
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? Ultimately this job has taught me compassion. It can be hard when you ' re working with people that can ' t communicate well, and there are days when it becomes frustrating. During those moments, I have to remind myself to take a step back, put myself in their( the participant ' s) shoes and realize it ' s probably even harder for them. It ' s always a good reminder to treat others the way I would want to be treated, if I were in that position.
Coffee order? Depends on where it ' s from! Maybe a Flat White or an iced mocha. Favorite movie? You ' ve Got Mail. Strangest thing you ' ve ever eaten? I ' m a pretty picky eater. I like to keep things safe. I do have an unusual hatred of melted cheese and cake.
LARISSA SZUREK
Program Instructor Two years with ELA.
What is your favorite ELA event? The Valentine ' s Day dance!
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? Swimming outings are fun but trying to organize seven participants and four staff members is tricky. Over the course of a couple seasons I learned it would relieve a lot of stress to sit down for about five minutes and make a list coordinating the outing. An aide recently told me I looked like I had taking the group swimming down to a science!
Coffee order? Very strong coffee with a splash of half and half and raw sugar. Strangest thing you ' ve ever eaten? Wasabi Kit Kats. Pickled herring. Not at the same time. Both delicious.
ILIANA ANTONIO
Program Assistant One year with ELA.
What is your favorite ELA event? The Valentine ' s dance.
What is your favorite memory at ELA? When Ryan Nelson and I danced to La Macarena!
Coffee order? Iced coffee with caramel. Favorite movie? I Love You, Man. Favorite holiday? New Year ' s.
dance this year.
D ' ANNA BOOT
Program Assistant With ELA since November 2016.
What is your favorite ELA event? The Valentine ' s Day
What is your favorite memory at ELA? I enjoy every day. It ' s nice to go to a job that doesn ' t feel like a job.
Coffee order? Chai tea latte with whole milk. Favorite movie? Jerry Maguire. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.
ELLEN MORRELL
Program Assistant With ELA since February 2017.
What is your favorite memory at ELA? My favorite memory at ELA would have to be the Valentine ' s Day dance. I remember a conga line being formed, and many of the participants had great dance moves! The photo booth was a ton of fun as well.
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? I think my whole experience at ELA has been such a great learning experience for me. I have learned that I have to be creative with participants and there is not just one way that works for each person.
Coffee order? Soy latte. Favorite movie? Beauty and the Beast. Strangest thing you ' ve ever eaten? Duck tongue.
SARAH PETERSON
Program Assistant One and 1 / 2 years with ELA.
What is your favorite ELA event? The ELA Fun Run is a stands out for me.
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? Whenever we have to think on our feet and adjust an original plan is always a learning experience.
Coffee order? I only drink coffee on the weekend but I take it with some sugar and some cream. Favorite movie? I enjoy most movies. I ' m kind of a movie buff! Strangest thing you ' ve ever eaten? I ' m a pretty adventurous foodie. I ' ve been eating sushi since I was 3.
DEBBIE DEJEAN
Volunteer Volunteering with ELA since the very beginning in 2006!
What is your favorite ELA event? The ELA Fun Run.
What is your favorite memory at ELA? This goes way back. During social groups I would bring slang flash cards and we had a blast!
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? I have learned the most from our craft classes because everyone can participate in some way. Before my time at ELA it would have been more logical for me to just do it for someone.
Coffee order? Black, dark roast, decaf. Favorite holiday? Halloween. Strangest thing you ' ve ever eaten? A fried twinkie!
MEGAN KIVARKIS
Volunteer Volunteering with ELA since February 2017.
What is your favorite memory at ELA? My favorite memory at ELA is walking in my first day and being greeted by Jack. He was so positive and welcoming, and I knew from my interactions with him that I would love being part of the ELA team.
What experience have you learned the most from, and what did you learn? I ' m new, so I ' m still learning!
Coffee order? Chai tea latte with almond milk. Favorite movie? Gone with the Wind. I love it so much and have watched all four hours multiple times! Favorite holiday? Christmas. I start shopping in September and I turn my house into a winter wonderland. I love spending time with friends and family!
www. nssra. org 13