My experience begins at Camp Huntington. I worked with children and adults with autism, down syndrome, speech delays, ADD/ADHD, seizure disorders and other disabilities, and earned the Blossom Award for excellence. I learned an invaluable skill-how to use humor and creativity to diffuse a situation to turn it into a positive for everyone. I then worked in retail at a chain that employs people with ID/DD. I helped my coworkers behind the register, and trained a new employee with autism. A year later I left to work with the ARC of ulster county in a residence with 8 people aged 30-78 with varying abilities. While I do not have formal education in the area, these experiences made me an expert in assisting with daily living needs- hands on hygiene, meals, medications-as well as emotional needs. I see each individual as a person, deserving of physical as well as emotional health, and love to use my humor and personality to make sure whoever is in my care has the best day they can.