How long have you been working with Serving Seniors?
I have been with Serving Seniors for a little over 11 years. It is a journey that has shaped not only my career, but also who I am as a person.
Tell me about your journey as a case manager?
My journey with Serving Seniors began during my final year as an undergraduate at San Diego State University, when I joined the organization as an intern. I quickly became what I like to call the intern who never left, and I was honored to be hired as the Home-Delivered Meals Case Manager.
In that role, I worked with some of our most vulnerable clients, homebound seniors, by bringing services directly to them. This experience was incredibly humbling and taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, both literally and emotionally.
After a little over a year, I transitioned into the role of Social Services Case Manager at our Wellness Center, where I supported seniors who came through our doors seeking guidance and stability. During this time, I was also involved with our Transitional Shelter program, formerly known as THP, where I worked closely with seniors experiencing homelessness and helped connect them to permanent housing. I worked in this capacity for nearly five years, gaining invaluable experience and perspective.
Just before the pandemic, I was promoted to Supportive Housing Program Manager. As the role evolved and my responsibilities grew, I stepped into my current position as Senior Program Manager for Supportive Housing. For the past six years, I have had the privilege of serving in a supervisory role and working alongside an incredible team of dedicated case managers across all our supportive housing sites. It has truly been an honor to grow within an organization that aligns so deeply with my values.
Can you share a moment or experience that affirmed your passion for this work?
There is not just one defining moment. Instead, I have been fortunate to feel affirmed many times throughout my career at Serving Seniors. Each time I partner with a client, and we work together toward achieving their goals, I am reminded that this is exactly where I am meant to be.
There is nothing more rewarding than celebrating a client's success, no matter how big or small. Recently, this feeling has been especially meaningful a I have been interning with the Homeless Services program while working toward my Masters in Social Work. Over the past few months, I have been able to help connect two clients to permanent housing, which is incredibly difficult in today's housing climate. Moments like these reaffirm why this work matters so deeply to me.
What keeps you motivated on challenging days?
I find my work incredibly rewarding. Seeing how hard clients work toward their goals is what keeps me going. My role is to support and motivate. but the clients are the ones doing the work. There is no better feeling than knowing you have made a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Why did you decide to pursue your masters in social work?
I consider myself an eternal student of life and genuinely enjoy learning. More than anything, I felt ready to fully commit to the work I have been doing for over ten years. I cannot imagine myself anywhere else, as this work brings me purpose and fulfillment.
Pursuing my MSW felt like the natural next step. I wanted to ensure that I am serving both my clients and my team in the best way possible, and that meant sharpening my skills, expanding my knowledge, and remaining open to growth.
What have your clients taught you?
My clients have taught me that falling into hard times does not discriminate. I have worked with individuals from all walks of life, each with their own unique story. It is a misconception that we can always prepare for what the future holds, because the reality is that none of us truly know what tomorrow will bring.
What matters most is how we show up for one another with kindness, empathy, and compassion. Helping one another is essential.
