How Do You Survive A Day At Bradford?

Grab about five or six extremely overworked people, throw in some food from the cafeteria and some cake, sit them around in a circle in the classroom and let it fly!! Most of what was said in that classroom cannot be repeated due to confidentiality laws, but we had some fun! So, before I go back in time to January I just wanted to introduce you to some really beautiful people.

Meet Kim,

Kim, otherwise known as, Kim Possible, is one of the adolescent counselors who truly has a desire to give these kids the tools they need to stay sober. She is one of the nicest people that I've ever been privileged to meet and work with. However, when talking to Kim it's always important to have something shiny to dangle in front of her in case she needs to refocus!

Meet Sonya,

Sonya is another one of the adolescent counselors at Bradford. The stand- up comedian of the group, Sonya is always ready for an impression of some sort to lighten the atmosphere. Sonya was also the mother of the group, always guiding in the direction that is best for that person. I could always go to Sonya if there was a situation where I was having a hard time making a decision and she would always be able to question and guide in the right direction. She is an awesome leader. But-anytime there was bad news she had on freshly applied lipstick. So-anytime the lipstick was shining we went the opposite direction! Notice the no "pooting" sign on the chalkboard. Always important to have when working with teenagers.

Meet Rita,

Rita is the education assistant at Bradford. Rita taught the life skills class at Bradford while I was busy teaching the kids who were still enrolled at school. I could always count on her to have the intake information of our new kids ready for me in the morning and have treatment plans and assessments ready as well. She was extremely helpful to me when I first started at Bradford. Rita is very willing to help no matter what the cost. She would give the shirt off her back if she thought anyone of us needed it. I will miss her so much! Thanks Rita! You are one of my favorite people of all times!

Meet Changela,

Changela, who is obviously out of Bradford dress code in this picture and apparently going to vote for Barack Obama, is the director of the family program at Bradford. Changela was known for having one of everything from the cafeteria on her tray at lunch. We always knew where she was sitting in the classroom! All jokes aside, Changela is a very beautiful person who has a truly unique way of dealing with our families during this time of crisis in their lives. Hers is a hard job and one I would not ever want! Changela, bring Autumn over for a play date!

Meet Angelina,

Actually, Angie or Angela, is her real name. Angie was always talking in code and calling people by their code names, which is fine. Until you can't remember their real names. This has almost gotten Angie in trouble several times particularly during clinical staffing on Tuesdays. However, regardless of the confusion, it was quite funny and gave us many good laughs. My code name by the way is Velma (from Scooby Doo). Where are my glasses? Miss you Angie!

Meet Sasha,

She is one of our recreational therapists who has been my savior many times over. Anytime I needed a paper day Sasha and Rita would take the kids out for Arts and Crafts where I could contact schools, make phone calls, or spend countless hours in medical records filing. Thanks Sasha! Miss you lots!

Last but not least, Meet Wesley,

Otherwise known as Jimmy Newtron (Angie's code name for Wesley), Wesley's last day at Bradford was on May the 9th. This picture was taken on May 23rd. Not really sure why he's still here. Hmmm..... No really. When Wesley was with Bradford he was family counselor who worked with our teenagers on family days with their family contracts. These were eventful days most days. But, Wesley was great at working with them. Thanks for coming and eating cake Wesley!

Well, as you can see I've worked with some great and awesome people. I miss them dearly. I am now trying to re-enter the school system. With Ms. Grace, that's going to be the best place for me and I miss the classroom so much. Keep me in your thoughts as I interview! Now as Sonya would say, "I have expended all the extra time that I have and now I must go and do some work." Actually, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight!