Anahita Naderi joined our ADP program as a Job / Community Coach in June of 2019. Let’s learn more about here through our Q&A below.
Question: How did you first come to learn about Vocational Visions (VV)?
Answer: I was introduced to VV through the Welfare to Work program.
Question: If someone you know, or just met, has never heard of VV, how would you describe our organization to them?
Answer: I would share with them that working at VV is like being a member of the X-Men crew. We have so many amazing clients who have incredible gifts that I would never have imagined existed in the special abilities community. We have clients who are DJs, YouTube bloggers, athletes, spelling champs, story tellers, performers, singers, artists, cooks, Disney aficionados, car collectors and, most importantly, their hearts are full of love & joy! VV is an awesome place for our clients and staff members.
Question: What is your favorite part about your job?
Answer: My favorite part of working at VV is the nurturing community and close relationships that come to life between clients and staff on a daily basis. We laugh, we cry, we dance, we use a lot of hand sanitizer, but, at the end of the day, we are like a really big loud happy family.
Question: What is something that could be added, removed or changed to make Vocational Visions better?
Answer: I believe that having interactive events where our clients, their families and our staff could gather together for socialization and communication would be an awesome addition to our program.
Question: Did you volunteer or work with people with disabilities before working at VV?
Answer: Prior to being hired at VV, I had never volunteered or worked with people who are uniquely-abled. Growing up, I was actually a bit intimidated to be around people who were considered disabled because, in some ways, I felt sorry for them. However, I met a good friend whose sister has Down Syndrome and she completely changed my perspective. She lived at a group home, had a job, had a boyfriend and she was quite witty and funny. I am grateful for her influence in my life.
Question: What is an interesting fact about you that you would like to share?
Answer: I have been a resident of 2 continents, 3 countries, 10 cities and 22 homes. This has gifted me with an incredible ability to adapt.
Question: What is a motto or a quote about life that really resonates with you?
Answer: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ~ Albert Einstein
