New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) is observing “Employee Appreciation Week” October 25 – 29 in celebration of our dedicated team of professionals. Throughout this week, we will be introducing you to some of our amazing staff.
Below are our featured “Staff Spotlights” for Friday, October 29:
Rachel Tabor
Position: Direct Care Provider
Department: 10th Street Group Home
Years at NRVCS: I’ve worked for NRVCS since March of 2020.
Please share a little about your background:
I’m originally from Dublin, Virginia, and currently live in Dublin in my new home bought earlier this year. I received my Associate’s Degree at New River Community College in General Studies, and went on to receive my Bachelor’s Degree at Radford University, studying Sociology and minoring in Communications. I worked at Walmart for several years prior to working for NRVCS, and started out with NRVCS to begin my professional career. Before NRVCS, I also worked part-time providing in home care to one or two children with various special needs.
Why did you choose this particular career/job?
I chose this particular career because after studying Sociology and Communications, I was eager to start working with more clients with unique needs. I was initially interested in working with children in my career, but the opportunity arose to work for the 10th Street group home because of my experience with working with children with Autism in their homes. I thought 10th Street would be a good fit more me after meeting the clients and learning more about what the job entailed. I enjoy jobs that provided some level of caregiving and the conversations that come about from working with adults can be really rewarding in my own life.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of work to me is just engaging with all of the clients and all of the special and unique bonds formed with each individual. It is rewarding when everyone in the home has a good day doing the things they like doing, they’re able to engage happily with others, and they are able to have confidence to do things they might not think they could do otherwise.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I get really into a lot of older TV shows; I watch very few newer shows. Some of my favorites are MacGyver, I Dream of Jeannie, Magnum PI, and The Brady Bunch.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend at the movies, reading fiction, hanging out with my cats, traveling, and cooking/baking.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying you would like to share?
“Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” – Bob Ross
TONYA SHELTON
Position: Program Lead
Department: GMB
Years at NRVCS: 1 year, 10 months
Please share a little about your background:
I’m from the New River Valley. I graduated from Pulaski County High School and currently live in Hiwassee, VA.
Before I came to work at NRVCS, I worked for Professional HouseHold Services & THIRD Security, LLC in Radford, VA, as well as a private estate where I supervised cleaning. I’ve also been a nanny as well as a traveling nanny.
Why did you choose this particular career/job?
I enjoy cleaning and supervising “hands-on” and working with others, as well as the opportunity to support the agency’s mission.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping GMB staff build the skills they need to be successful with wherever they go in the workforce is very rewarding to know that my work helped make a difference.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I lived in Florida for a year.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy fishing and spending time with my family. I have two daughters and three granddaughters and a grandson on the way.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying you would like to share?
“We got this.”
SARAH DAVIS
Position: Clinician
Department: REACH
Years at NRVCS: 4 years
Please share a little about your background:
I am originally from Northern Virginia and I currently live in Radford Virginia. I received my bachelors from Radford University in 2017 and I received my Mater in social work from Radford University August of 2021.
Why did you choose this particular career/job?
I chose this particular career because I wanted to make a difference in someone else life and also bring awareness of mental health to different communities. I chose REACH because we often receive more of the challenging cases but the outcomes are always worth it to see the clients succeed.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Being able to see the difference that we continue to make in the community and to be able to see the difference that we make with our clients…Being able to see clients meet their own goals and improve their mental health.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m left-handed.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy being active outside and reading books, and watching movies.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying you would like to share?
“Don’t like striking out keep you from playing the game.”
PREVIOUS “STAFF SPOTLIGHT” POSTS:
– Monday, October 25
– Tuesday, October 26
– Wednesday, October 27
– Thursday, October 28