February 12, 2021 - “I’m proud that I’ve come such a long way in my math work. Math used to frustrate me because I never understood how to do it. I got to this moment because I have a teacher that helped me understand math better, and because I learned to deal with my frustrations and use coping skills instead of refusing work.” P., Highpoint

January 14, 2021 - What are the happiest or more rewarding moments for you?
Successfully transitioning the students to their adult program. And thinking that they wouldn’t be able to, then working with the staff and then being able to successfully transition them.

December 10, 2020 - Do you have any favorite stories about the students or staff?
...Before she left Hillcrest, she asked if I could go down to her party. It was Recognition Day. So obviously I was going to go. And when I got there, she was so excited to see me that she came running over. “He’s here, he’s here!”  She was excited to see me because...

November 17, 2020 - On Tuesday, November 3rd, student after student sat herself down in a trifold voting booth to cast her campus ballot. Pen in hand, she had the opportunity to vote for her preferred presidential candidate; her choices for Brookside mascot, colors, and motto; as well as her choice on a range of political issues. One hundred percent of the student body participated in the election...

October 14, 2020 - COVID-19 has had an impact on just about everyone, affecting the way we do our jobs, socialize, relax, and move about the world. And adults aren’t the only ones affected. Children are too. Many kids are not in their classrooms, playing with their friends, and getting out their excess energy. While day to day life does look different for students in our residential setting, our students are also tired, restless, and eager to do something fun....

September 14, 2020 – What do you like about working with kids?
There’s hope at this stage in the game. Maybe we’re working with teenagers who didn’t have all the resources they could’ve had earlier. But now I have the opportunity to help them get ready for adult services and become more independent. So right now is that time where we can still affect change, we can still help these kids learn new and more effective ways to access their community, access their environment.  

July 31, 2020 - "So I had a student that when she came in she, she had this tough exterior. Like nobody was going to get through...and she says to this worker how she doesn’t like me and how she needs a new clinician and how she’s never going to work with me. I mean we stuck together and we stuck through it and a year and a half later, she’s presenting at an international conference...and talking about how much I helped her and how she’s so glad I didn’t give up on her. That was huge. She’s a great kid."