Talent Tribute: Paul Johnston

Our Talent Tribute Monthly Feature is designed to celebrate the phenomenal staff that serve our Members.

When Paul Johnston first accepted a role as a DSP I at VALLEYLIFE in 1998, which was known as Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center at the time, he had no idea how long his time with the organization would be, let alone that it would kickstart a 26-year-long career. All he knew back then was that he needed a change from his work in the customer service industry, but if you ask him nowadays, it was a decision that changed his life.

Paul often helps out in various ways with the Parties thrown for the Members throughout the year.

From the very beginning, Paul has been an incredibly dedicated staff member with a passion for watching his Members flourish. Throughout his tenure at VALLEYLIFE, Paul has held roles in several notable departments including Residential, Day Services, and Vocational, but has most recently made a home for himself as a DSP I in Day Treatment Area (DTA) 7. Paul has also played a key role in organizing many of the parties VALLEYLIFE has hosted for Members throughout the years.

Born and raised in the Phoenix Area, Paul has remained fiercely loyal to his hometown of Sunnyslope,  remaining in the area to this day. Outside of work, he enjoys working on vintage Volkswagen Beetles and attending car shows. In recent years, he has even begun hosting his own car shows for other avid car enthusiasts. Aside from cars, Paul also enjoys being out in nature and taking camping trips.

Paul's 1966 Volkswagen.

In addition to knowing he has helped make a positive impact on the lives of VALLEYLIFE Members, one of Paul’s favorite parts of his time with the organization was having the opportunity to work alongside his partner of 32 and husband of 11 years, Jim Anderson, who served as a dedicated staff member of the Residential Department for nearly 25 years until his passing in November of 2023. According to Paul, the pair shared a beautiful life together and each devoted an immense amount of love and energy to the organization and its Members. Paul wishes to dedicate his Talent Tribute nomination in Jim’s honor.

After asking him a few questions, here is what Paul had to say about his VALLEYLIFE experience.

1. How would you describe your ideal day at VALLEYLIFE?

Some of my best days at VALLEYLIFE are the holidays and doing all the parties. I was Santa during the holiday party for years!

Every party we’ve thrown over the years, those were a blast. To me, there is nothing more satisfying than having a party like that and seeing all the Members come to one area and just enjoy themselves. It fills you with so much emotion that you feel so overwhelmed and that’s such a joyous thing. It’s that kind of thing that has kept me at VALLEYLIFE, making these people smile every day and being able to make them laugh.

2. What has your time at VALLEYLIFE taught you over the years?

VALLEYLIFE has taught me a lot of things. They were things that maybe I already had in me, like patience, compassion, and loving, but I got to exercise them. Those are all things that just come along with the job and you can’t help to feel those things towards the Members.

3. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about interacting with Members?

I enjoy making Members laugh on a daily basis. I think at the end of the day, it makes my day better too. Some people say it’s harder to be positive than negative but, in this business, I find that you tend to be more positive.

4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in your position?

In this field, you need to be able to be friendly, compassionate, and caring to people. I feel fortunate in life to be who I am, so if I can help the Members at VALLEYLIFE, that’s just amazing. I’m fortunate in the sense that I’m healthy and that I’m able to live independently and I like to help people who may not have the same opportunities as me.

5. Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish or learn in your future at VALLEYLIFE?

I think, honestly, my time at VALLEY may be nearing its end as I think about semi-retiring, I just haven’t started that new chapter yet. But when I retire from VALLEYLIFE, I want to be remembered as a friendly and compassionate guy.