About 10 years ago, I took a leap of faith into the world of Human Services after a decade of working in the entertainment industry.
I was just finishing a Master’s degree in Human Services and Leadership. I didn’t know what to expect, I just knew I wanted to help and lead people and I wasn’t fulfilling that desire where I was. I was taking what felt like a drastic step away from all that I had learned from my Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media. I had never heard of Bancroft and didn’t know what I was getting into when I applied. However, what I did get into, I fell in love with — and the rest, as they say, is history.
The transition from working at places like Nickelodeon, Universal Studios, and QVC to Bancroft was surprisingly smooth. My environment and role changed drastically, but for the first time, I was surrounding myself with like-minded people who had a similar passion to help others.
I started as a Flex Direct Support Professional (also known as Program Associate) and then became a Program Manager. As a Program Manager overseeing two groups homes, an average day consisted of communicating and meeting with our persons served, staff, families, and sometimes DDD Case Managers. It was my responsibility to provide oversight to the operations of the home, including making sure both individuals and staff had everything they needed for any particular day, from food to finances to activities scheduled.
Since then, I’ve joined the team that develops and trains the entire organization. I have changed significantly and grown into who I am and what I do here at Bancroft. I never thought I could use both of my degrees to their fullest potential in one position – but I’ve found myself in a role that utilizes both my expertise and experience.
When I think of Bancroft now, I think of two things: change and growth; two things the world desperately needs, and both of which you’ll find when you join this team. The sky is truly the limit.
As I’ve built my career here, I’ve had the opportunity to grow in different directions and make choices that empowered me to develop a job I love. The passion I have in working with the people we support, I see in the dedicated coworkers who surround me. I made a choice to maximize my own potential — and this was the right place to do it.