The overwhelming sense of unworthiness that permeates someone’s mind when they begin their recovery can be astonishing. So often, we begin the path to recovery with this sense of not being worth anything: love, affection, respect, you name it. We show the world our feelings of unworthiness in our actions and our interactions. This is an interesting phenomenon to behold, and a challenging one to unwind and rewire. From the perspective of one who holds the position of sponsor or mentor, the way to help someone rewire often comes by way of being an example; planting seeds and watering them with knowledge, love, and support, and waiting for them to root. They eventually do, but not always in my time, or your time. They root during the natural progression of the person’s readiness to recover and do the necessary work.
Unworthiness is a state of mind, a feeling that tends to hover over those who are feeling down and out. It can be a temporary state or it can linger and lead to depression. It is not something to shrug off and ignore or to be held lightly.
In order to combat this, it’s vital we do the deep excavating work that’s required for the healing process of recovery to take effect. This work is not an opportunity to beat ourselves up but instead, a time to learn to take steps toward self-care and freedom. Unfortunately, the tendency toward self-deprecation is far too high and can often hinder one’s willingness to move forward.
How do we overcome this sense of being unworthy so we can develop feelings of being valuable or worthwhile?
1: Be of service: It can be as small as doing your dishes, or picking up the phone and calling someone to see how they are. Smiling at strangers is a nice way to bring some light to your day.
Going through this process of recovery can be dark. We have to find ways in which to bring some light. Gratitude lists, being of service, and asking for help, developing a meditation practice, and practicing acts of kindness to others and ourselves: those are all flickers of light. We can and will recover, one step, one tear, and one laugh at a time. Those feelings of unworthiness will eventually fade and we will soon realize our feelings aren’t facts.
As teachers, therapists and facilitators, we have to become aware of our own edge: knowing when we are getting overwhelmed, knowing when those in our charge are feeling overwhelmed, and knowing when we need to step back ourselves or facilitate that same process of backing off in someone else. Working with the addiction and mental health population means coming to a place of deep understanding and awareness of the subtle shifts of emotional temperatures that can occur in any given situation. The process of helping others and working with others isn’t about feeding our own egos so we can feel superior, but rather facilitating and creating a safe container for those in crisis and helping them find the willingness to take a chance at finding their own edge (trying something new and finding that sense of coming close to but not being overwhelmed) and broadening their comfort zones.
There are many ways in which we can recognize when someone may need to back off, or work on getting grounded. As part of a treatment team, we have to be aware of each client’s needs and these are some of the key signs we look for as well as some of the key tools we need to have in our toolboxes:
Look for any change in a person’s baseline behavior. Some people will talk more, and some will talk less. It’s as though some are stuck in the “on” position and some on the “off” position.
Some people shut down. Are they isolating? Are they crumpled up in a ball?
Actively listen to what someone is saying. If someone shares his or her difficulty, take heed, are you really listening?
Know who is actually working with their edge and know what their resources are. Can they self-regulate? Do they have their resourcing (their calming tools) readily available?
Facilitate time-outs. Let people know that it’s okay to take breaks from a situation that is making them feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, showing someone what a time-out looks like by mirroring it, helps illustrate its safety.
While we certainly want to push our clients and ourselves to explore and expand emotional and physical limitations, it’s extremely important we provide a safe container in which this can become possible. We are empowered to show others how to orient themselves in new situations, find their grounding, and self-regulate when they begin to feel themselves slip of out of control. We are also empowered with the loving arm of compassion and service which allows us to show someone how to ask for help and accept that help when it is offered. To teach, treat, and to care for others is a gift and an honor.
Come paintballing with Visions as we raise money for the teens of Haiti vis a vis the Global Adolescent Project (G.A.P)! “Global Adolescent Project, G.A.P, was born out of necessity, to fill a void — a gap — in youth services. Global Adolescent Project was launched in July, 2010, in one of the largest IDP (internally displaced persons) camps in post-earthquake Port au Prince, Haiti.”
We are thrilled to host this event of this caliber and are doing it in the wildy fun, whimsical Visions way. Our mission is to help teens everywhere. All teens deserve a chance to live a vibrant, healthy life, free from addiction, mental illness, poverty, and trauma. We all can do our part, no matter if it’s large or small.With this event, we are doing our part with flair: It’s not every day you can ping your favorite Visions peeps AND raise money for an incredible cause. I really hope you can join us!
The cost:
All-Day Admission: $70
Vest Rental: $10
Please contact JuliAnn Crommelin for more information: jcrommelin@visionsteen.com
You can read all about the Global Adolescent project on their About page. I also encourage you to watch this beautiful video from USC to get a full dose of this remarkable organization:
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.
‘Tis New Year’s Eve and I have to say, 2012 has been amazing. We celebrated 10 years of service, continued our diligent efforts of care and expanded upon our mental health track, got a facelift at our Brentwood facility, and expanded our programs. We are blessed to have a team of people who are imbibed with the love and passion it takes to work in the field of recovery. Visions is a family, pure and simple, and whose primary purpose is to be of service to one another.
Over the past year, we have celebrated many of our team in our Anniversary blogs. However, we are far from done! The anniversary blogs will continue into 2013, so we can honor those whose altruism and sheer kindness form the foundational brick and mortar of the Visions team.
For those of you new to the path of recovery: stay connected. Your sober network provides a wonderful net on which to rest when things get tough or scary. The work of sobriety and mental health is a long process, but one that is well worth the effort. If I could say one thing to you at the end of this year it is this: when things get tough, or frightening, and the shadows of your trauma is looming, turn toward it. Sounds counter intuitive, but when we look directly at that which frightens us, we take its power. Shadows have the capacity to thin and dissipate, and in doing so, they eventually lose their opacity and their power.
It is with great excitement and joy that I wish you all a wonderful, safe, sober, and sane New Year. May the winds of change bring you love and happiness, and most of all healing to whatever path you’re on. Let yourself be loved. You are worth it.
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.
