Wheel World News Issue 49 October | Page 11

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If you are interested in being featured in the "Professional Profile" segment, please contact Allison via email @ [email protected]

exercise and socializing. Previously, I had worked for the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association while going to school and enjoyed the support of this organization and the community involved. After graduating, I felt the need to move into the counseling field and work towards a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). Not long ago, Shannon Carter (the executive director), called me up and shared that the organization would be working on a new project called the “Opioid Awareness Program for the Disability Community” and asked if I would be interested to come back to AZSCIA to help with the project. I accepted the position and am currently eager to see what we here at AZSCIA can accomplish to further support the spinal cord community.

-Eric Kenning

During my time away from AZSCIA, I found it very difficult to stay in shape due to the needs of my previous job. I am committed to workout most Tuesdays and Thursday from 4:15-6:00 to get back in shape and build up my endurance. Working out by myself is not fun, so I invite you to join me at the Ability360 Fitness Center to work out, get in shape and have fun.

Working with the spinal cord injury community has provided a group of people with a mutual understanding of the struggle involved with having a spinal cord injury that I can relate with and

spinal cord injury that I can relate with and have honest and deep conversations about life. My perspective has adjusted to be more compassionate to people’s situation and to myself.

I have learned that anyone can have an injury that affects their life and the injury is not always visible. I enjoy being of service to the spinal cord injury community and feel a sense of meaning and purpose with the work that I do.