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