The Gift of Mentoring the Next Generation

When Isis Velasquez first came to Liberty ARC as an intern, Susan Woodcock, a long-term employee and an Assistant Site Manager, stepped in as a mentor to Isis. With Susan’s encouragement, Isis gained confidence and felt reassured that following this career path at Liberty ARC was where she was meant to be. Isis has blossomed into dedicated and out-going Direct Support Professional (DSP).

At first, Susan, who has been with the agency for 24 years, described Isis as quiet and introverted. Isis, at the time, was questioning if she was a good fit for the DSP role.

“What Susan has done for me has meant a lot,” Isis said. “Not only does she care about the people she supports, but she also cares about new staff coming in and making them comfortable enough to excel at their job. It shows how much compassion she has for the job.”

Isis is now a DSP after completing Liberty ARC’s Human Services Internship Program. She currently attends Fulton-Montgomery Community College, where she is obtaining her Associate’s degree in General Health and Sciences.

“I was interested in the internship after the idea was pitched to myself and my classmates by Liberty ARC’s recruiter. It did sound interesting, especially being able to help people, as well as being able to go from intern to DSP as an opportunity to stay with the agency,” Isis said.

Her time as an intern in one of the residential sites is where she first met Susan.

“At the time, I was getting to know Isis, and decided that Isis was in need of a good mentor in order to be successful as a DSP,” Susan said. “’And so, it began. We naturally complimented each other. I had the experience and knowledge; Isis had the desire and eagerness. Isis became my shadow…literally. Wherever I went, Isis could be found right behind me, then beside me, and then ultimately Isis was leading the way. She started laying the foundation for a career at Liberty.”

Isis credits Susan and her guidance for where she is with her career today. Isis has grown close to the people she supports, and said her daily interaction with them is the best part of her day.

 “She showed me a lot of the stuff that I know today in order to support people and ensure they are living their best lives,” Isis said. “If it wasn’t for her mentorship, I don’t think I would still be with the agency and have advanced in my career. Susan is very kind and nurturing. She is always willing to help you as long as you need her to.”

As Isis’s confidence grew, Susan encouraged her to take additional training courses in order to advance her career with Liberty ARC in the future. Isis became med certified, g-tube certified, and trained to care for people who have diabetes and need insulin.

“She is zealous and dedicated and will go to other residential homes when needed,” Susan said.  “Isis has become a role model to her peers, in particular, her peers that are in her age group. I am so proud of her.”

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