What is your position with Ellipsis, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am a supervisor at Ellipsis. Each day differs from the next, but most of my time is spent assisting staff in making logical decisions that will promote growth and development for each youth. I also spend time building rapport with the youth, ensuring they feel supported and heard.
How long have you worked here, and what initially drew you to Ellipsis?
I have been with Ellipsis for about a year and a half. I was looking to get out of a desk job and back into youth services. I fell in love with this line of work in high school. I participated in peer physical education — a program that paired a youth with disabilities and a typically functioning youth together — and we assisted them in a P.E. setting. It taught me so much about myself and showed me that I was able make differences in others’ lives by just helping them be included in activities.
Have you had any other roles at Ellipsis? How has your journey within the organization shaped your perspective on the need for the programs and services the organization provides?
I started my job with Ellipsis as a youth care worker. I recognized through my journey that youth programs like these help to give at-risk youth opportunities to change their lives. We are helping them build skills by providing the tools they didn’t receive within their home. We are helping them deal with trauma and trying to teach them how to be well-rounded adults who can care for themselves.
Please share a story about an experience that reaffirmed why you do this work. What made it so meaningful?
As a child, I experienced some of the same things the youth we have in our care are experiencing. I know how hard it can be to value yourself or your future when it seems that everything else is against you. However, realizing how far I have come and seeing the youth work just as hard, pushing to fulfill their hopes and dreams, shows me that they can do and be so much more.
It also reminds me why I enjoy working in this field. It is incredibly meaningful to see the youth we work with recognize that they are worthy of something more.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this job, and how do you overcome them?
I think the biggest challenge is finding things within our program capabilities for the youth to do. Trying to find something fun for them to relieve the boredom can be difficult. They don’t get to do the things that youth living at home get to do.
They are definitely held to a higher standard and have to follow certain expectations, so reminding them that they are kids and doing things, like getting them off campus to go to the park or to get a scoop of ice cream, helps boost morale. I try to encourage staff to come up with fun ways they can help the youth get through each day.
What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the work you do?
I wish people understand that no two kids are the same. They are going to take the tools and support we give them and use them in different ways. Our ability to help stops at the gates — once they leave the facility, it is up to the youth to apply everything we provided them to learn and grow in a positive way.
If you could describe your job in three words, what would they be and why?
Watching the growth of some of the youth from the day they arrive through the day they leave is fulfilling. We see them learn how to implement the tools we have provided into their everyday lives. We always hope for the best for them as they continue on their way.
Coming to work every day and knowing that my mood and something I say or do can have an impact on the youth and staff around me is empowering. It empowers me to be the best version of myself.
Educational is the third word. The youth teach me something new each day, whether it is about themselves or a topic they have learned about in school. They are always keeping me on my toes when they get in silly moods because you never know what is going to be said next. The kids we help are incredibly funny, resilient and smart — while they’re at Ellipsis, they are just learning to put their energy into more positive things.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering a career in youth services or mental health support?
This career path may not be for everyone. It is incredibly challenging and heart wrenching, but it is such a rewarding job. You get to experience a lot of different things and meet new people from different walks of life. It teaches you to appreciate the support and the life you have.
What’s one thing about Ellipsis that makes you most proud to be part of the team?
It brings me joy to know I am making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve. Being able to witness them learn to make better decisions and to care for themselves in better ways is such an amazing thing to see.
Outside of work, what’s something that brings you joy?
My family and friends, along with my dog and two cats, give me so much joy. I also enjoy being outside and soaking up as much sun as possible, especially during the summer. And then, I like making spontaneous trips with my significant other. Sometimes when we wake up, we’re just like, “Let’s go to Chicago,” and we make it happen. I appreciate being able to enjoy every aspect that life has to offer and do the things I want to do.
