How did you get into this field?
As a youth, I had a probation officer who made an impression on me; from that experience, I thought helping people might be something good to do.

Who would you consider to be your mentor and why?
Richard Sheola. He is a very passionate humanitarian. First and foremost he cares about people. He knows how to leverage resources for the betterment of people who are dependant on public systems.

What quote do you live by?
"Those who can, must."

What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
The farewell event held in the Great Hall when I left Massachusetts six years ago. It was nice to know that my work here in Massachusetts was recognized and respected.

Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues wouldn't necessarily know?
I once quoted 100 bible verses from memory at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Is there anything you'd like people to know about your agency?
Everyone can easily imagine how difficult the work of DCF must be. Very few folks can imagine how rewarding the work of DCF is. In addition, to the heartache and difficult decisions that social workers confront everyday, they are rewarded with magnificent gems of success and happiness each week: the joy of reuniting a family, we originally might have thought had no hope at reunification; the sobriety of a mother, who decided her kids were too important not to "get it together;" the satisfaction of finding a relative willing to care for a child, when everyone said they had no willing family; the profoundness of bearing witness to a youth's resilience, a resilience that defies the odds; the thrill of finding the perfect placement-Friday afternoon at 4:45; the adventure of being on-call on a Saturday night-the relief of getting no calls; the deep-down feeling of satisfaction when a family says, "thanks, we know you care;" the overwhelming feeling of appreciation and admiration of foster (and adoptive) families willing to help kids because that's the right thing to do.

People should know that DCF workers take great pride in doing their jobs right. They go to extraordinary lengths to do a good job. They love what they do; because they love children and they are committed to strengthening families.
This information is provided by the Department of Children and Families.