To our staff in school, residences, and administration, thank you for all you do to care and educate those we serve. Thanks to our donors and friends of Cariola, each of you have a direct impact on the agency in all we do and the services we provide.
This annual event reflects what we can accomplish when we come together, and it is an honor to be a part of it.
As we look to the remainder of this anniversary year, we focus on celebrating with our families of our students and residents, alumni from school and residences, and the unsung heroes and the heart of our agency, our staff, past and present.
The closing of our Mary Cariola journey will be one that is bittersweet. Some may think of it like they are losing a family but to us we know we have gained one for life.
But what do we want students to do with those skills? I think it’s so they have as many opportunities as possible. Opportunities to have the same rich experiences that we would want for ourselves. This is a goal that I bring to my occupational therapy work. I find the best way to do this is to share what I find exciting and fun.
During the month of April, we reflect and celebrate the vibrant neuro diversity within our Agency community.
On July 6th, 2023, I underwent spine surgery to remove a fragment of intravertebral disc that had become lodged in my spinal canal, compressing my sacral nerve, and thrusting me into a world of chronic, agonizing pain. Reflecting on this moment now, I see it as the initial step towards establishing a healthier, safer, time-efficient, and family-friendly wellness routine.
That very night I applied for Roberts Associate Program. When two people from two separate places ask you the same question on the same day, it is a no brainer to take that leap of faith and start an awesome but terrifying journey.
A lot has happened to me personally, as well as here at work over the last 40 years. I have made wonderful, lifelong friends and I have also lost some friends along the way. Would I change anything? Probably not.
Let’s embrace the new school year with confidence, joy, and excitement. Together, we’ve got this! Here’s to a wonderful year ahead.