Hispanic Heritage Month, Carmen and Phoebe
From September 15 to October 15, we honor and celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic communities around the world. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on two of our team members.
Carmen (she/her, pictured on left) was born in Argentina and works with our Supported Employment team. As a job coach, Carmen focuses on understanding the unique needs and strengths of employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities to ensure their success and job satisfaction at work. She enjoys getting to know each person and supporting their ongoing growth. Carmen also works with employees in identifying workplace adaptations that may help them be successful in their job. A key part of her role is to keep the communication lines open with both the supported employee and their employer. Carmen believes that recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to bring communities closer together and to promote cultural awareness.
Phoebe (she/they, pictured on right) is Mexican-American and an Outpatient Therapist with the Easterseals PORT Health Statesville clinic! In this role, they write progress notes, plan sessions, complete assessments and provide therapeutic interventions. Phoebe also collaboratively partners with individuals, families and other ESPH team members to help achieve each person’s therapeutic goals. Hispanic Heritage Month holds special significance for Phoebe, as it celebrates the richness and diversity of their culture. For them, it is a time of celebration and reflection, “Our culture, roots and heritage color the lens through which we view the world. Hispanic Heritage Month is important as it recognizes and celebrates our rich culture.” Phoebe will honor this month by spending time with family and connecting with fellow Hispanic social workers. As a Latina therapist, Phoebe emphasizes the importance of working with other Hispanic clinicians to help eliminate stigmas within the community. They believe this helps create a more inclusive environment and helps make people feel more comfortable engaging in ESPH’s services.
Easterseals PORT Health is dedicated to the IDEAL principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Authenticity and Learning. The IDEAL principle that resonates most with Carmen is Equity, as it represents fairness and justice for the people she works with. For Phoebe, the principle of Inclusivity stands out the most. “Highlighting inclusivity and being an agent of inclusion, I get to help people feel welcomed and accepted, especially in a therapeutic setting.”
Carmen and Phoebe bring their passion and cultural experiences to work every day and make meaningful impacts on the lives of those they support. We are grateful for their dedication in
helping people live their best lives. Thanks Carmen and Phoebe for all that you do!
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
