Our Talent Tribute Monthly Feature is designed to celebrate the phenomenal staff that serve our Members.
It’s been 27 years since Ethel Gray’s sister first introduced her to VALLEYLIFE in 1997. Ethel’s dedication to her Members is just as strong today as it was back then. Since starting as a DSP I for Hana Maui group home, Ethel has since cared for Members within both the Kussell and Marconi group homes before finally settling into her work at the 56th Drive group home.
Originally from Utah, Ethel moved to the Phoenix area to be closer to her four siblings. Giving back to others in need within her community has always been something that Ethel has been passionate about. In addition to VALLEYLIFE, over the years she was able to expand her reach of giving back through her other job as a teaching assistant for ACCEL, a k-12 behavioral school in Phoenix.
Outside of work, she enjoys partaking in relaxing crafts like crocheting, knitting, and making quilts. Additionally, she has developed a love for traveling, having visited countries like Germany and the Philippines as well as multiple states.
We asked Ethel about her VALLEYLIFE experience thus far, and this is what she had to say.
1. How would you describe your ideal day at VALLEYLIFE?
My ideal day at VALLEYLIFE would have to be whenever we would have the opportunity to go out into the community with the Members. Just to see the excitement on their faces when they’re out and about, like at the zoo or the water park, would make my day.
2. What has your time at VALLEYLIFE taught you over the years?
Watching the Members get excited when you spend time with them has taught me patience and how to be creative. When I was over at Kussell, since we didn’t go out as much, we had to get creative and do artwork and all kinds of stuff, but it kept them active so I learned to use my imagination.
3. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about interacting with Members?
Watching the Members make progress on things that we’ve worked on is what I enjoy the most. Look at Hannah (a VALLEYLIFE Member), she can take care of herself basically, but to watch her around me compared to another person, it’s amazing to me because it shows me that she’s so much smarter than some may think she is.
4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in your position?
Some skills that I think are important would have to be patience and the ability to understand that just because someone is different doesn’t make them any less human. We might not see life the same way that they do, but they see it as interacting with other people and trusting they can be themselves around you.
5. Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish or learn in your future at VALLEYLIFE?
Moving forward with VALLEYLIFE I just want to know that I gave it my best and was able to look out for the Members when others couldn’t.
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