It's no secret that our full-time team
has changed quite a bit over the last
few years! With so many newer faces
around here these days, we are taking
this opportunity for some more (or less) formal team introductions. Though some
of us have been around for a decade (or two), and another handful for seven or
eight years, there is a good bunch of us that are brand new. Enjoy reading some of
our favorite memories and experiences with NSSRA, and a few fun facts too!
To read the full interviews, visit www.nssra.org/meetteamnssra.
KATIE JAMES
CANDICE CUNNINGHAM
15 YEARS • SUPERINTENDENT
What is your favorite program with NSSRA?
Camp Wigwam. What is your proudest moment
in your time here? Starting the ELA Program.
If you could have any one superpower, which
would you choose? The ability to make myself
invisible. One word that describes you at age 10.
Sassy. Favorite food? Steak. Name one thing you
can’t live without. Sunshine. You’re happiest when... I’m with my family.
Dani Kern
2 YEARS IN SEPT
RECREATION SPECIALIST
Funniest moment with NSSRA?
At Summer Games, the Gator
Powerlifters hid a fake spider
in my program binder. They had been waiting all
evening for me to find it, and when I finally did, I
screamed! The entire group could not stop laughing
about it the entire trip. One word that describes you
at age 10. Energetic. Favorite food? Rice. Name one
thing you can’t live without. My rice cooker.
1 YEAR IN SEPT • RECREATION SPECIALIST
What is your favorite program with NSSRA? Gator
Basketball. What is your proudest moment in your
time here? When my Gator Green Basketball team
won the gold medal at the 2018 ITRS Tournament.
What is something unique about you? I lived in a
haunted house when I was little and supposedly
talked to the ghost! Favorite food? Pizza! Name one thing you can’t live
without. My sister! We’re 22 months apart and best friends!
CATHERINE BENSON DARLEEN NEGRILLO
What is your favorite program
or memory with NSSRA?
All of the Buddy programs!
I love being a part of a young volunteer’s first
experiences in our field. What is your proudest
moment in your time here? Surviving lifeguard
training! Hidden talent? I tell the best dad jokes!
Favorite food? Candy! Name one thing you can’t
live without. Laughter! What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? Playing trivia with
the team and learning more
about everyone. What is your proudest moment in
your time here? Getting to know the participants
and them remembering me. If you could have any
one superpower, which would you choose? Reading
minds. Name one thing you can’t live without. My
family. You’re happiest when... drinking coffee.
1 YEAR • RECREATION
SPECIALIST
8 YEARS • MANAGER OF
HUMAN RESOURCES
DAVIES
SIERRA SHUM MEGGAN
8 YEARS • RECREATION MANAGER
1 YEAR • RECREATION SPECIALIST
What has been your proudest moment with
NSSRA? NSSRA’s Adult Show Choir performance
this past fall. It is wonderful to see the joy and
unity that music can bring. The performance
surrounded the theme “Dreams." The singers had
incredible energy, confidence and passion for
what they were doing! One word that describes you at age 10. Imaginative.
Can't live without? Having a passion and my family! You’re happiest when...
When I get to interact with others and be creative!
BLAIR HILL
5 YEARS • RECREATION
MANAGER
What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? The ELA program
will always have a piece of my heart. I loved
watching the participants experience things for
the first time. One word that describes you at age
10. LOUD. Favorite food? Broccoli and chocolate
but not together. You’re happiest when... I get to
experience new things with people I love.
14
Funniest moment with NSSRA? Flying to Camp
Wigwam with almost 30 participants! The
cheers upon takeoff and landing were the best!
What surprised you about your job when you
first started? I was and am amazed at all of the
opportunities available to our participants. I
am from a very small town in WI and nothing like NSSRA exists for people
with disabilities there, so I am very proud to be a part of such a wonderful
organization. Favorite food? I love all Italian cuisine... and ice cream!
BONNIE AMIR
3 YEARS • RECEPTIONIST
What is your favorite program
or memory with NSSRA?
Shining Stars Banquet. What
surprised you about your
job when you first started? What a cohesive
group it is. One word that describes you at age
10. Carefree. Favorite food? Prime rib. Name one
thing you can’t live without. My family. You’re
happiest when... surrounded by my family.
NIKI CUTTELL
1 YEAR • RECREATION
SPECIALIST
What is your favorite memory
with NSSRA? Hosting a
Thanksgiving feast for ELA
families. Participants made the meal and families
got to see what a day at ELA is like. What is your
proudest moment in your time here? Being part
of an agency that my brother can also call his
own for programs. Favorite food? I could eat tacos
every day!
Register online at reg ister.nssra.org.