Q. How long have you been a facilitator at TotalLink?

A. I am probably one of the newest Facilitators on the team. I actually started working as an Employment Specialist and then began substituting with the Maker’s Lab and getting involved with pop-up shops in the Summer of 2019 and then took over as the Facilitator in the Fall of that year. 

Q. How did you get involved with TotalLink?  

A. I have been involved with TotalLink from the start. A group of local moms and I felt it was important to create an organization that would focus on a mission and vision that made sure our sons and daughters would always be viewed as valuable members of their community with opportunities to work and be engaged fully in activities available to all and continue to learn throughout their lives. I started as a board member, moved to a fundraiser with my work on The Nuflatot - totalfuN for Everyone, and now am enjoying being a facilitator. 

Q. What programs are you currently facilitating? What have you facilitated in the past?

A. My first position was with Maker's Lab and that Lab began including a whole community. We wanted to grow it to an opportunity for volunteers and other participants to learn soft business skills and partner with community businesses through pop-up shops. Then when we pivoted to a viral platform I happily took on more opportunities to teach and engage with the TotalLink participants. I have completely enjoyed my new role in facilitating Game Time, Karaoke Meet-Ups, Netflix Watch Party, Next Chapter Book Club + Walk, as well as Happy Mail.  

Q. What is your favorite part about being involved with TotalLink? 

A. Working as a facilitator gives me a specific role within this organization that I have been emotionally connected to for so long. I am able to direct my creative energy into my work and relate personally to our participants. When I go online to meet our participants, I look forward to using my talents in ways to brighten their days, teach them new skills, and put an activity on their calendar to look forward to. My connections with our participants lift my spirits for the day with laughing, singing and dancing. What a great job I have. 

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

A. I grew up in St. Louis, but people say I fit in to the community like I've lived here all my life. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, I have supported my kids, Jess and Brian to be creative in their own employment journeys. I get a huge thrill out of researching, problem solving, and creative thinking. I hope my participants feel they can grown from my energy. I spent most of my adult life in volunteer roles that were that were meaningful to me and helped create important connections with great people in fabulous organizations like TotalLink.

Q. What is a fun fact about you that not many people know?  

A. When I am not working at TotalLink most people don’t know that I work for two other companies that create decor for weddings, Mitzvahs and corporate parties. Let’s hope traditional large celebrations return to our lives real soon! Until then… let’s keep each other entertained, emotionally healthy and physically busy with meaningful activities.