Chloe Huerta is one of our amazing alumni who came back and joined the Visions’ team. In 2010, Chloe brought her engaging personality and compassion to our residential facility as a Program Aide; Chloe has since become the Assistant Manager for NeXT, our Gender-Specific Extended Care program and is working toward her CAADAC. Chloe always makes me smile whenever I see her. She’s funny, incredibly positive, willing to learn, always filled with gratitude and is a remarkable young woman. She has made it her mission to give back to the community that helped her find her way during her youth. We are tremendously grateful to have someone like Chloe as part of our team. Her relatability, understanding, and kindness are an integral part of who she is and what she brings to the Visions family. Thank you so much for all you do, Chloe! Read on for the amazing staff comments about you and your awesomesauce:
“She is a miracle. A completely different human being than the girl I first met here in treatment. Incredibly proud of her and amazed at the level of joy, compassion and optimism this young woman displays and shares with our residents.” – Roger L’Hereault
“Chloe Huerta is an amazing example of fun in recovery and not taking life too seriously! Chloe always has a positive attitude and keeps the clients excited about their new life. Chloe is one of the most caring people I know – her genuine personality is recognized by clients and staff alike. Chloe is able to hold boundaries, express needs, and hold others accountable yet is also able to have respect from clients. She’s amazing.” – Ashley Bolen
“Chloe is a rock star! I had the pleasure of working with Chloe when we first opened up the Extended Care house and together we managed to make it work! I think the best part about her, other than her upbeat bubbly attitude, is her ability to roll with the punches and take things as the come. (There was a lot of that the first year!) She has strong passion for helping people and I feel she truly cares about the young teens we work with. It’s a pleasure to work with her and she brings a lot of fun to the table too!” – Jennifer Garrett
Chloe! You have come such a very long way, and we are so proud of your journey! Chloe is a Visions’ alumni who came to work for us as an overnight PA. She moved to days and was eventually promoted to Assistant Manager of the Extended Care program. She has helped so many girls with their early stages of recovery because she truly relates to their struggles and issues. Chloe is in school for her counseling certificate and is one of our brightest stars. We are grateful for her work ethic and her ability to show up “no matter what.” We love us some Chloe!!! — Amanda and Chris Shumow
No staff blog would be the same without our 10 questions. As I thought, Chloe doesn’t disappoint:
1: What is your Starbucks order?
Iced Dirty Chai or Iced Green Tea (no water)
2: Sand or Sea? Why?
I’m afraid of sea creatures but I love being in the ocean
3: Favorite literary character?
Pippi Longstocking
4: Are you following your dreams?
I have a lot of dreams but I’m on the path to following my current dreams.
5: What is your greatest joy?
Spending time with my younger brother
6: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?
Floranopolis, Brazil. It’s supposed to be beautiful, I am obsessed with the culture and a few of my friends live there.
7: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and why?
Hellen Keller!
8: Cake or pie?
Cake–pie is for Thanksgiving.
9: Dogs or Cats?
I’m all about the pups!
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I’ve always wanted to give back to the people who saved my life. I looked up to the tech, counselors, and therapists when I was a resident and I hoped to help someone at such an important time in their life.
Scott Davenport started working as a Program Aide in 2010. His dedication and willingness to learn has led him to become a Residential Counselor, the position he holds now. As such, Scott is working more directly with the clients, and bringing his cool sense of calm energy into everything he does. Scott has this wonderful ability to connect with the clients on a very real level, especially since he was once a client himself. His innate gentleness and kindness make him easy to talk to and extremely relatable. Scott is an extremely consistent and dedicated member of the Visions team—he’ll show up for anything he’s asked to do, and is always intent on doing what’s right for the clients.
One of the things I really appreciate and respect about Scott is how thoughtful he is in regard to what he says and how he mindfully interacts with those around him. He doesn’t say anything unless it necessary or true, making him someone worth listening to. Because of that quality, Scott is a really skilled listener. In the time I’ve known Scott, I can tell you that he is one of those people who means what he says and says what he means. He is kind and gentle but understands the need to hold firm boundaries with the clients. The kids in our programs are lucky to have him in their lives and so are we.
Read on for some particularly kind words from some of the Visions team:
“Ah Scotttt! I love Scott! It’s like all of the good things in life got together and said, ‘HERE YA GO! ENJOY!’ He’s a great person to be around and on those days at Visions when everything is chaos, he is just serenity incarnate…to me and Aleks at least.” – Janette Duran
“Scott is one of my favorite heroes. He is a gentle soul, well-liked and respected by the kids and his peers. Also, if you don’t already know this, he is an artist extraordinaire. I have an original Davenport hanging in my studio. Thanks Scott, you are the best.” – Susan “Art Lady” O’Connor
“Scott is definitely the calm in the storm. His kindness combined with his dead-on assessment with what’s going on with the clients makes him great support for both the kids and his co-workers!!” — Katie Mason
“Scott does a great job with the kids, very calm and patient.” – Bill Hoban
“Love the guy; effortless person to work with. I think this is in part due to Scott being a mindful practitioner of the team approach. It’s really an equal two-way street with him or a live-and-let-live-through-mutual cooperation kind of vibe.
A grounded, consistent and calming force he is. Yes, that last sentence sounded like Yoda. He’d dig that, I think.” – Roger L’Heauralt
“Who would have ever thought that the young man seeming not to pay attention when he was a client at IOP would turn into one of Visions’ brightest stars! Scott is such an amazing mentor for our clients. His steady, patient and quiet way adds a feeling of calm to the days that seem so hectic. He has truly grown into an amazing employee, friend and man in the time that we have known him. Scott has stepped up into the large shoes Brian left when he moved to Latigo and has not missed a step. He is always thinking of the clients’ best interests and will show up for any crisis or for a skate!” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
Our staff blogs wouldn’t be the same without some insight from those we’re honoring. Of course we asked Scott to answer our 10 questions, and of course, he answered them with the same thoughtful, mindful qualities we can expect. Read on:
1: Favorite movie of all time?
Alien
2: Who is your hero?
My Dad
3: Last book you read?
Neuromancer by William Gibson
4: If you could have been any person from history, who would it be and why?
MLK – He stood for so many important, great things. He made a profound difference for our country and for humanity without using violence or hate.
5: Best late-night LA haunt?
I don’t have a lot of late nights. Favorite morning place – sitting outside in the sun with a cup of coffee.
6: Do you sing in the shower?
Yes, I always have weird songs stuck in my head first thing when I wake up in the morning.
7: What is your most memorable skateboarding story?
I think I hit my head once but I don’t remember?
8: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Generous, optimistic, honest.
9: What inspires you?
Beautiful places, animals, morning, good people, hard working people, funny things, being outside.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I love the people I get to work with. Visions seems to have a unique way of helping teenagers without being cutesy or treating them like children, something I really needed and appreciated when I was a client. I was always treated with respect and compassion and was usually guided by positive examples rather than told what to do. It is something that has stuck with me that I would like to give back.
Honestly, what can I say about Stan Weinstock, the man that literally keeps me on my mathematical toes, makes the best bad jokes, is my lunar calendar comrade, and who is one of the most genuinely kind human beings I’ve ever met? There simply isn’t enough space. Before I met Stan, I was told that he was THE Laker fan. I shrugged it off, until I saw his car and I was sure, absolutely dead positive, it belonged to a Laker staff member. I was wrong; it was Stan’s remarkable yellow and purple, 4-wheeled homage to our beloved Los Angeles Lakers. He was serious. He is also serious about Excel formulae, of which I lack any real comprehension. I wonder, who will check my math now and make sure I get paid? I’ll miss Stan, who is affectionately referred to as “Stan the Man” here in V-Town. He’s been a part of the Visions fabric since our inception. We are losing a huge part of our family, but the world is gaining an incredible man. No more deadlines, Stan! Awesome!
Stan the man, the LAKERS fan — funniest dude at the Vis, and that’s a tough title to earn! The first person I met here after Chris, Amanda and Fi, Stan put a (super-)-human face and perspective on all the paperwork around here. LOVE him! –Jesse Engdahl
Stan the Man! Things won’t be the same without him. He is a fixture at Visions, and in the midst of our chaos he has never been too busy to help out. Most of all I will miss his mastery of the well-placed pun. – Patrick Schettler
Stan has consistently bent over backwards to help the employees of Visions, he is the quiet Bodhisattva of our company. His patience in explaining 401k plans, and health insurance has saved me from many panic attacks. Everyone at Visions will sorely miss him and his quirky attachment to Windows products. I wish him all the best in his retirement, he deserves it! Go Lakers! – Joseph Rogers
Stan really is the man! He is so patient and helpful, whether it is a paycheck question or a technological dilemma. He will be missed as will his purple and yellow Lakers Lexus! – Heather Colligan
What can I say…. Don’t go! You are funny, smart and so very considerate. I know you go the extra mile to pay me right away. Thanks. You will be missed. Stay in touch. and of course, “Go Lakers” – Susan O’Connor
Stan is special in so many ways, and I mean that in a good way!! Make sure you listen to everything he says, there is often a disguised, inappropriate joke in there somewhere! Oh, and I think he likes the Lakers a little, but I could be mistaken. – Katie Mason
Stan’s the man. He has significantly helped foster an era of banter, puns, bad jokes, good jokes, irony, simile and off the wall observations.
That’s not all–he works here too! We will miss our cheerful and wise employee advocate. It simply won’t be the same place without him. – Roger L’Hereault
What can be said about Stan that hasn’t already been said? Stan is the man! Visions won’t be the same without him. His steady kindness and impeccable work ethic are second to none. He is a man of strength and integrity. Most people don’t see it, but Stan has a fiery side, which he uses to fight against the injustices of evil insurance companies. Stan has amazing patience and he can multi-task like a seven-armed madman. I don’t know how he does it, but he makes time for everyone’s demands and gets the job done with unparalleled tenacity and thoroughness. That’s all I have to say about Stan, and even though I’m fairly sure it’s already been said, it bears repeating! Thanks for all of the paychecks and Go Lakers! – Daniel Dewey
Stan has been around since almost day one. Stan is always willing to be a team
player and help out with most anything needed.He implemented our simple IRA and made it relatively simple for everyone. Stan has become a bit of an institution
around here and will be dearly missed. — Bill Hoban
I have had the privilege of working with Stan for the past 8 years or so. Stan is an important part of the Visions family, and his unique sense of humor and view of the world is always refreshing. Stan is constantly helping Visions staff to stay on track and on time so we can get paid. Stan has a heart of gold and is always concerned about others. Thank you Stan for your hard work and commitment to Visions. — John Lieberman
Stan, we will miss you! After “about” 10 years as our Controller, Stan, “The Man” Weinstock is retiring. From the beginning, Stan has helped us stay on budget, get our paychecks, get us paid and bought the best Holiday Party gifts anyone could ask for! He has helped so many of our staff look at their finances, explained insurance stuff (mind boggling :), all the while fitting right in with the rest of us quirky folk. Stan has been our go-to computer guy, and we already miss the funny emails that he sends! Stan’s Laker Mobile will be missed in our driveway. We are grateful that we had so much time with you, but guess it’s Lori and the dogs’ turn. Thank you so much! — Amanda and Chris Shumow
Time for those quirky questions. What, you thought Stan would escape those? No way! Read on:
1: Were you always good at math?
I guess. If I remember, there were 48 bars on my crib.
2: Phil Jackson or Mike D’Antoni? Why?
That’s easy, has to be Phil Jackson. At this point, the Lakers record since D’Antoni is 4-8. But they haven’t lost a game under Phil Jackson so far this season. But seriously, because this IS serious, how do you not go with the guy who won all the titles?
3: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
In & Out. Oh, you probably mean travel? Maybe Patsy’s Pizzeria in NY.
4: Did the Lakers sponsor the custom paint job on your truck?
Is a “Cease and Desist” order like a sponsorship?
5: What superhero best represents you?
The Silver Surfer, one of the noblest (but tormented) cosmic entities in the Marvel universe. He often sacrificed his liberty for the greater good. Although he is from the planet Zenn-La, and I’m not, we are both trapped here on earth.
6: Top 5 favorite Visions’ moments over the last 10 years?
Handing out the prizes at the company holiday parties.
The time it snowed – I wasn’t there but I heard it was amazing!
When the neighbor’s herd of goats came to visit at Mulholland.
That time I managed to reconcile the bank account.
Changing gears here – every time I’ve read a letter from a parent thankful for the work Visions has done to help and heal their child and their family.
7: What will you miss the most about Visions?
All the truly nice people I’ve worked with over the years. And the meals.
8: What will you miss the least?
The 3:00 pm deadline for submitting payroll. It’s taken years off my life, or at least hairs off my head.
9: Do you have any big adventures planned for your retirement?
Just the usual, nothing major – end hunger, bring peace to the world, stop global warming, read a book, take a nap.
10: Why did you choose to work for Visions?
Goes back to question 5 – sacrificing liberty for the greater good. And question 7.
Brian Wildason is a Visions superstar. He has been with us since 2005, working with our teens and their families with wholehearted dedication. Brian has a wry sense of humor, which seasons his professionalism and interactions with the staff and clients in a wonderful way. He’s always the first one to help if and when help is needed. One of the things I always notice about Brian is his ability to remain calm amidst the hubbub of treatment. Brian is extremely reliable and is always, and I mean, ALWAYS, the one willing to do the most unusual of jobs. Got an alligator in your tub? B-dubs is the man to call. The staff couldn’t agree with me more. Read on:
Brian, a.k.a. B-dubs, is an amazing coworker and moreover a close friend. I don’t want to inflate his ego, but it should be said that he is one of the most integral people working at Visions. He works magic with the kids that are fortunate enough to receive his counseling. He’s always striving to be better at his job and keeps everyone on their toes with his wit and wisdom. If he was as good at golf as he is at his job, he’d be on the PGA tour leaderboard every weekend. – Daniel Dewey
Brian is unbelievably good at what he does. I hear from parents and alumni all the time who are eternally grateful for his compassion and dedication to the process. He is a true professional and a great friend. He is also the Undisputed Ping Pong Champion of Visions, having turned away countless challengers. – Patrick Schettler
Brian is the American all-star of Visions. He can handle anything and is always there to smooth out a problem. – Heather Colligan
My first recollection of Brian was as a Program Aid. Brian was always the first to raise his hand to volunteer for interesting jobs and extra shifts. Brian is the first to help and the last to leave. – John Lieberman
Brian Wildason, lead counselor, and mentor to staff is a life changer. In addition to being Amanda’s work husband (Chris has John, so it works out), he is truly one of the driving forces behind our program. He has an incredible ability to intuitively know what the clients and the staff need within moments of speaking to them. He has been a leader in creating new programming, the first to adjust to the electronic charting system and overall has helped Visions maintain the highest level of integrity when it comes to providing what we say we provide: the best treatment for adolescents and their families. Brian has helped change the lives of so many clients. By putting their needs above all else, he provides the steady, positive influence that so many of our clients need when they’re in treatment. Brian also remembers to make sure the kids are having fun, which is so critical to adolescent treatment. Thank you, Brian, for all you do. We appreciate it more than you know. – Amanda and Chris Shumow
Read on for Brian’s answers to the usual series of silly questions behind these anniversary blogs
1: What inspires you to do what you do?
Remembering when I was a lost teenager and not knowing where to turn. I try and offer support and encouragement for struggling teens and families.
2: You are always of service, what do you do to ensure self-care?
Sit on the porch with my dog and enjoy the silence. Golf and cigars is always good also.
3: If you could say one thing calm a frightened parent, what would it be?
I wish there was something to say to make it better, I think offering a kind smile goes along way. Also I think its important to remind parents to Breathe…repeat….repeat… You are not alone, there is hope
Jesse Engdahl came to us a little over a year ago when we began our Launch program. With him came quite the bag of tricks: Jesse holds several degrees, he is an incredible writer and extraordinarily skilled at managing college applications, something many folks lack. Because Jesse has persistently continued his education, it has allowed him to hold a bevy of information and build broad skill set, including the ability t0 facilitate peer mediation, run groups, and act as a writing coach. More than anything, though, Jesse Engdahl is a great example of someone in recovery who is always of service. If you need something, I’m sure that Jesse will be there in a heartbeat. He’s kind, funny, and walks with an open heart.
The staff rained some beautiful accolades on Mr. Engdahl. Check it out:
“Jesse is the best work husband ever! Kind thoughtful hard working, makes my life so much easier… Also a dear friend.” – Noelle Rodriguez
“If I need something done for a client that is outside the box, Jesse is the man I send them to see. He seems to have an inexhaustible source of unique ideas for difficult problems, and quite frankly, he knows everyone. He is willing to stick with our clients through the most difficult of problems and doesn’t ever give up on trying to find a way to help them. Jesse is the guy I would go to if I ever needed something to do on a Friday night; he’s the concierge of sobriety.” – Joseph Rogers
“Jesse joined us about a year ago with the Launch of Launch. 🙂 His good-natured and creative approach to engaging the client has truly helped us to become a more well-rounded program. Jesse has a special way of finding what “clicks” with a client when it comes to the tricky work-school-life balance needed as our kids get busy with their new lives. He is an advocate for the child when it comes to figuring out what they need to satisfy their goals.” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
And now for Jesse’s answers to the 10 questions we cooked up for him:
1: You have several academic degrees, which do you find fits you the best and is the most applicable to your life?
Undoubtedly, I’ve mastered the fine art of critical theories.
2: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Peter Fonda in Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry
3: Are you a coffee or a tea guy?
I don’t abide tea-drinkers.
4: Yoga or Pilates?
Aren’t you a yoga teacher? (*No, Jesse, at least not yet!*)
5: If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Lighten up, boy …and learn French.
6: What is your favorite weather?
Santa Ana winds blowin’ hot from the north….
7: If you were a Muppet, which one would you be?
Hate to admit I’m probably Bert … but I want to be Ernie.
8: Why did you choose to work an adolescent/young adult population?
My surplus of teen angst.
9: Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Shopping with Noelle …but that’s just the tip of a glacier.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
It’s next to Belwood Bakery! … and I wanted to learn from the best staff on earth.
Nich Willard has been with Visions since 2007 and is an incredibly valuable part of the Visions team. Nich brings his wry sense of humor, laid back nature, and sober experience to the clients, making him remarkably relatable and effective in his job. Perhaps it’s because Nich got sober in his teens or the simple fact that he’s a cool cat: either way, the kids adore him. In case some of you don’t know, there was also the moustache period, where Nich had the craziest, coolest moustache; he even went so far as to create an alter ego for it on Facebook. Come to think of it, I think we were FB friends—the moustache and I. That right there is a fine example of wacy, sober fun. Like many of us at Visions, Nich also has a creative talent. He has a film background and is quite the talented filmmaker. You never know, we may have the next Wes Anderson in our midst!
Check out what Nich’s coworkers have to say. He is truly a well-loved member of our team!
“Nich is awesome! Nich is one of my favorite coworkers and hilarious. His seemingly laissez faire approach and sense of humor is so disarming that he is able to make an impact in the most difficult of scenarios.” Roger L’Hereault
“Which Nich? The one without the mustache has an amazing way of being real with the kids, and holding them accountable while showing them how to have fun. The Nich with the mustache is his evil twin…no?” – Katie Mason
“Nich! Thank you for always holding up the couches! Your ability to make us laugh has truly saved our minds over the years! From Tech to iPod guy to meeting timer to recovery mentor to van guy, you always do your job with Visions’ best interest at heart. You are an amazing mentor to the males at Visions, both staff and clients alike. I will miss you when you finally get into your dream job full time! The film world will be lucky to have your energy and commitment that we have been blessed to have over the past years!” – Chris and Amanda Shumow
Last but not least are Nich’s answers to our bevy of questions.
1: What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an Astronaut or an actor when I grew up.
2: What is the one thing that never fails to make you laugh?
When dogs scare themselves by sneezing or barking to loud I LOSE it.
3: Favorite meal, the one you can’t live without?
My favorite meal that I cant live without is burgers haha like quimby.
4: What is the best advice you’ve ever received in recovery?
Somebody told me that I never had to be serious about anything except for my recover, and that I could do anything with my life as long as i did the work and could accept the consequences.
5: Your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was realizing that instead of burdening those around me I actually benefited the world around me, that was huge for me.
6: Do you REALLY hate ice cream?
Ice cream is stupid! It’s all a bunch of hype. Ice cream is literally like having a bunch of freezing cold milk ice and salt in your mouth except all mealy. uhg gross…I don’t like cake either most of the time.
7: What do you value most in your friends?
In friends, I value honesty and the ability to laugh at themselves.
8: What do you wish you could do better?
I wish I could remember more. I have a bad short-term memory; this is probably a result of drug use during the developmental stages. Also, I wish I waz a better speller.
9: Morning person or night owl?
I am most definitely a night owl Mornings are RUFF for this guy.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I work for Visions because helping adolescents find recovery is something that I believe in. I found recovery in an adolescent rehab and it started me on a path that not only gave me something to live for but also led to a great life. The “vision” of Visions is so close to my own that I am proud to be a part of it.
Los Angeles outpatient facilities are typically where one goes in order to transition from the intensive setting of being in an inpatient treatment facility to the wide-open world. The outpatient setting is the perfect environment for clients to reintegrate themselves into their new mode of living a life in recovery. On occasion, outpatient can also be the first place one goes to get help when an inpatient facility seems like too much and trying to recover on his or her own has been futile..
At Visions’ Los Angeles outpatient facility, we focus on the entire family, ardently continuing the work that was begun at inpatient. We not only work with the clients but with their families in order to provide a continuum of support. We do this via schooling, team-building activities, therapeutic support, 12-step meetings, and various process groups. We address building and refining communication skills as well as nurturing the spiritual well being of our clients, all of which helps them understand how to be in recovery. We teach our families problem-solving skills, and help them develop new, healthy friendships. We host a variety of alumni and unity events, all of which foster a better relationship to being in recovery. The beauty of these events is, they naturally build community among the clients, showing them that they have sober support and a recovery community. Additionally, we encourage relationships with 12-step sponsors and participation in 12-step meetings, which inspires clients to be active participants in the continuum of their recovery.
In addition to our Intensive Outpatient program, we also have Launch, which is a wonderful Los Angeles outpatient program geared toward young adults transitioning out of adolescence and into adulthood. Launch is a life-skills program focusing on vocational, educational, and social skills.
Outpatient provides an amazing opportunity for our families: it’s the stepping stone between being in the controlled environment of a facility and interacting with the world at large but with the helping hand of a skilled support team. Entering recovery is frightening. It’s new, different, and at times overwhelming, but nothing is impossible when you have a support team guiding you along.
Patrick Schettler is one of the most profoundly helpful people I know. He has his finger on the pulse of Visions and is able to jump in and be of service whenever and wherever necessary. Patrick’s adventures at Visions started out with him working as a program aide in 2006. He later moved on to hold various positions of leadership over the years: He’s been our Lead Program Aide, held the position of Educator, and he currently holds the position of Operations Coordinator. In truth, Patrick epitomizes service in the most genuine way. He doesn’t do it because he has to; he does it because he wants to. To boot, Patrick is so much more than an administrative genius. As it turns out, he apparently plays a mean guitar. Hm. Maybe there’s a Visions band in our future!? Now that could be interesting!
Of course, the staff has some truly amazing things to say, so read on:
“P-trick, as I affectionately refer to him, is an all-around ninja. He has been tech, teacher, tech supervisor, para-clinical, administrative fire-putter-outer, late-hour working, and foundation at Visions. He keeps his cool, while others might flip out in stressful situations. Aside from all of this professional praise, I can also vouch for the fact that he is a bad-ass guitar player.” – Daniel Dewey
“He’s the best ‘mini-me’ John Lieberman could ever hope for!” – Katie Mason
“Patrick is the calm in the storm. He is committed to our Visions Team. Patrick helps make the unmanageable manageable. We work back to back I can’t think of another person who could put up with me…with no way out.” – John Lieberman
“Schettler knows there’s no ‘I’ in team. He’s always willing to step outside of his job description to create a first-class environment at Visions. I depend on him for a lot due to not working on campus. Patrick’s drive for success and his compassion to help makes everyone’s job at Visions easier on a daily basis. He also has the ability to pull off purple sunglasses…not a judgment…just noticing.” — Christina Howard
“‘Apartrick’! Thank you for picking up every random call and question from every tech, doctor, insurance agency, parent….and us. You have stepped up time and time again and have proven yourself to truly be a managing member of this team. We can trust you to take care of every crisis–big and small–and know you will handle it with grace–minus the dreaded insurance guy who denies coverage, and whom you yell at with our blessing. 🙂 You have been an amazing sounding board for all of us. Part of our office joy radiates from your end of the building and during the stressful times, we can always count on you to laugh or make some kind of joke to make us smile. Thank you for showing up at all hours of the day or night, you have eased some of John’s stress (ours too!) and for that we thank you!!! — Chris and Amanda Shumow
Without further adieu, let’s hear what Patrick had to say when we asked him our usual wild and wacky questions:
1: What is your guilty pleasure:
I’m a sucker for reality TV shows on the food channel. I will drop everything to watch the newest episode of Chopped.
2: Do you prefer acoustic or electric guitars?
Both. Gotta have an acoustic for the late-night sessions.
3: You’re stranded on an island: name three things you couldn’t live without.
My dog Trane, a hammock, and some good hot sauce.
4: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Call me crazy but I actually like it here! I could not live without Mexican food, period. Plus we have the Lakers, Dodgers, great weather, my family…you get the idea.
5: Favorite genre of music to listen to and/or to play?
I love all of it. I enjoy playing loud rock n’ roll with the band, but I also really like to play classical guitar. Hearing John Williams for the first time was a spiritual experience for me (nerd alert).
6: What’s your most relatable pop culture reference?
I’m just excited that Shark Week is finally upon us.
7: Mountains or beach?
Beach, which happens to be surrounded by mountains in most of California. Bam.
8: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Extrovert.
9: How do you maintain your cool, calm demeanor
Good genes probably. That’s where I get my modesty too.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
It’s the people. Speaking of which, I love your work, Sarit. Where’s your shout-out blog, huh?
Adriana Camarillo joined the Visions team in 2006 as one of our educators. She worked at our residential facilities and eventually became part of the Outpatient/Day School team, working closely with Joseph Rogers and Fiona Ray. In 2011, she left to pursue other things, but she is back in full force and we are beyond grateful!
Adriana has recently earned her masters degree in Educational Counseling coupled with a Pupil Services credential, a testament to Adriana’s bold and thorough educational background. Dri, ever-dedicated to her students, remains true to the age-old art of teaching. For example, she will deftly find the very thing that sullied a student’s relationship to math, and reignite their desire to learn one of their toughest subjects. It’s a great testament to her character that Adriana teaches to the student and not to the test. She is truly a remarkable teacher.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this, though: Adriana is funny! Hilarious, really. She’s able to bring a mix of firm boundaries and humor to a room full of adolescents—they love her and respect her for this! We are honored she came back to us after a year away—Visions is truly blessed to have such an incredible teaching team!
The staff can’t agree more! Check out what they had to say:
“Adriana is a stable presence at the Day School. She remains calm in the midst of the daily press of business, always ready to help our students regardless of what else is happening. She is an amazing resource for students preparing for college, helping with SAT prep, application essays, and the bureaucratic maze of forms and requirements. “Dri” is absolutely reliable and someone the students can count on for help and support. Dri is a real team player, and the one you always want around to make you laugh when things get difficult.” – Joseph Rogers
“Adriana is an amazing person to work with. She is very passionate and understanding. She has a great personality that is infectious (and sometimes too happy for me!). I’m proud to work alongside her and most importantly, proud to call her my friend.” — Ryan Cox
“Adriana is a selfless, loyal and inspiring person. You can always count on her to brighten your day with a wide smile and a positive attitude. She approaches teaching and mentoring students with fortitude and conviction. Adriana understands her students, picking up on their subtle nuances and adapting her academic plans based on the individual. She listens with an open mind and an open heart while instilling hope for their future. Her students are lucky to have her and I am lucky to know her. She makes us all better people.” Fiona Ray
“Guess who’s back…back again? Dri is back…tell a friend. We could not be more excited to have Adriana back in our world! She has always been an example for our students, teaching with poise and balance, and never letting the toughest challenges scare her, in fact, she finds the best way to reach her kids and turns those challenges into triumphs. Adriana brings just the right amount of humor and boundaries so the kids know that she is always looking out for their best interests. We are excited to welcome her back with open arms!” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
Now let’s get to Adriana’s answers to those silly questions we always ask:
1: Who was your first influential teacher and why?
Throughout my life I have had a number of influential teachers. Some were amazing because they remembered my name year after year. Others were amazing because they were interesting and worked at keeping us entertained while they taught. I think the first teacher to influence me was Ms. MacDonald. She was a great teacher. She listened, she challenged me, and she believed in me. I still see her around sometimes and she remembers me. Things like that have always mattered to me.
2: What is the most challenging yet satisfying subject you teach?
I think that the most challenging subject for me would be math. I have always loved math but that is rarely the case for other people. It’s most challenging because most students have a poor representation of math and therefore, they do not like it. I like getting students to understand the concepts and overcome their dislike for the subject.
3: If money were no object, where would you live?
If money were no object, I would live in San Francisco but I would definitely have a few vacation homes in Hawaii, Chicago, L.A., and New York. And of course, I would love to travel the world to see all the beautiful places this world has to offer.
4: What’s your favorite season?
California doesn’t really have all four season but I love Fall. I love the way the weather feels. I love wearing hoodies and jeans. I love the color of the trees and the smell.
5: If you were a Muppet, who would you be?
A Muppet? Ummm, I think I’d be Fozzie Bear mostly because I like to make people laugh. Usually my jokes aren’t followed by tomatoes but I enjoy smiling and I like the people around me to smile too.
6: What TV show has serious consequences if interrupted?
I’m not a big tv person. But there are three shows that cannot be interrupted. Those are Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and Smash. They are my favorite shows and I usually watch each episode twice. Once for viewing pleasure and the second time to make sure i got everything the first time.
7: What’s your Starbucks order?
I’m not a fan of complicated coffee orders. I like iced non-fat caramel machiatto.
8: What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a nurse growing up and i actually began college in a nursing program but after taking a few courses, I realized that nursing wasn’t for me and I decided to pursue teaching instead. I still love the idea of being a nurse but I can’t handle the “gross” aspect involved in caring for other health and I hate blood.
9: Do you sing in the car when you’re driving along? And better yet, do you stop singing at a stoplight?
I sing every where! Car, shower, classroom, store… you name it and I have probably sang a song or two. I don’t have a particularly great voice but I just love singing. It makes me happy and people usually respond well to the stranger who is serenading them in the line at the grocery store. Needless to say, I don’t stop when I get to a stoplight, in fact, I usually use that time to sing louder and add in a few dance moves.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I began working for Visions with very little information of what I was getting myself into. I was with them for almost 5 years. I left briefly this last year to teach middle school and now I am back. I came back mainly because it is my home. My coworkers are like family and I have never felt so welcomed and appreciated in one place. Working here has combined my love of helping youth with an enjoyable environment that allows me to truly say “I love what I do.”
Bill Hoban has served as the Director of Clinical Services for Visions Adolescent Treatment for the last 10 years—essentially since the beginning! He not only brings with him decades of expertise in the fields of addiction and mental health, he carries a sense of calm focus that lends an air of confidence and security to the clients and staff.
Every interaction I’ve ever had with Bill has put a smile on my face. He is authentic, he is kind, and he strikes me as one who truly leads by example. He is also funny in that wonderful dry kind of way that I truly adore. The staff, as you will see, was not short on words about Bill. He even garnered a Walt Whitman reference from a team member (see Lianne’s quote below!). The accolades and respect for Mr. Hoban run deeply. We are ever so grateful for you, Bill!
“Bill Hoban joined us when we were not sure that we were going to make it through the year. I believe that under his direction, Visions truly became the best program for adolescents in the country. He is truly dedicated to helping the toughest of clients and the stubbornness of parents! His tag line, “More shall be revealed” has been turned into mugs, bracelets and tshirts, but more importantly, a way of life for the families and clients at Visions. We can’t imagine what the past 10 years would have been like without Bill’s sense of humor, loyalty and experience.” – Amanda and Chris Shumow
“‘Bill shall be revealed.’ Bill has a no-nonsense approach to therapy that makes sense to the kids he works with. They know exactly where they stand and he is somehow able to make parents and clients see their role in the conflict without taking sides. Bill may be intimidating at first to most people, but I have always found him to be approachable and supportive. He has taught me to be a caring professional with healthy boundaries. As a loving husband, father, and a Vietnam veteran, he earns my respect. I am fortunate to have him as a boss because he lets me know exactly where I stand.” – Daniel Dewey
“Initial impression of Bill: a formidable man who is never afraid to make a tough decision. However, he is also a man with a big heart, dedicated to helping teenagers become clean and sober while learning to avoid life’s pitfalls. The kids love him because of his ability to be straightforward and honest. I have known Bill for ten years and discovered early that it is very easy to tease him…I never miss an opportunity. Oh, and he never does art!” — Susan the Art Lady
“‘Oh Captain! My Captain!’ Bill Hoban is a force to reckon with. But don’t be afraid. This is a man who will melt over a newborn baby or a little puppy. Once you look past his gruff exterior, you find a man with purpose. Bill can see past a resident’s issues and get to the core of who they are. It has been great working with him these last 6 years. And even now, more is being revealed.” – Lianne Domingo
“Bill is awesome! Let me elaborate for those who need convincing. A huge part of what I take for granted in my own skill set is derived from conversations and trainings with Bill over the last 10 years we have worked together. His contribution to Visions program development cannot be overstated. His ability to disseminate clinical objectives to a wide audience has always impressed me and our company value placed upon communication is greatly influenced by his experience and leadership.” — Roger L’Heurault
“Bill is an amazing example of perseverance, kindness and loyalty.” – Mie Kaneda
In case you were wondering, yes, we most certainly sent Bill a list of silly questions to ponder. I love his short, concise answers, proving that he really does shoot from the hip!
1. What’s your favorite movie?
Thunder Road.
2. Regular or decaf?
Regular.
3. Would rather travel by plane, train, or automobile?
Auto.
4. Mac or PC?
Mac.
5. Do you relish in turning the pages of a book or “turning pages” in a tablet?
