Background:
Before joining Seall, I spent five years working as a hairdresser at JCPenney. I also worked at Home Depot and held several manufacturing positions, including with Placan and Bernstein Display, during my high school years. These experiences helped shape my work ethic and ability to connect with a wide range of people.

Time at Seall:
I’ve been part of the Seall team since late 2020. I began as a second-shift supervisor, later transitioned to first shift as floor staff, and for the past six months have served as a supervisor in the GAP program.

Staying Positive on Tough Days:
On difficult days, I remind myself that challenges are temporary. More importantly, I ground myself in the belief that there is no such thing as a “bad kid.” The youth we serve have often experienced more than many of us can imagine. Their behaviors are not who they are—they are learned responses shaped by their past.
Many of them seek attention in the only ways they know how, even if that means negative attention. Our role is to help change that—to guide them, support them, and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in the community.
I also rely heavily on my team. Having supportive coworkers who step in and lift each other up makes all the difference in preventing burnout.

What I Find Most Rewarding:
What I value most is the opportunity to both support and hold others accountable—staff and youth alike. I take pride in being someone others can rely on, especially during challenging moments.
I naturally step toward crisis situations, and de-escalation is one of my strongest skills. Being able to calm a situation and prevent it from escalating further is incredibly rewarding and reinforces why I do this work.

Advice for New Hires:
Don’t take behaviors personally. When a youth is angry, yelling, or acting out, it’s not about you—it’s a reflection of what they are going through.
Lean on your team when you feel overwhelmed; you’re not meant to do this work alone. Avoid falling into the mindset of simply “getting through the shift,” as that can make each day feel heavier.
Instead, focus on being firm, fair, and consistent. Those qualities build trust, create stability, and ultimately make the greatest impact.