20 or so questions with…is our employee spotlight blog series where we get up-close and personal (and have some fun) with our favorite team members at CA Human Services. Next up in this series is 20 Questions with Sarah S. We have two Sarah’s at CA and both are in our Adult Programs Department. Sarah S. is our Manager of Adult Programs and is devoted to ensuring our clients are successful. Sarah is not only amazing at what she does, she brings immense kindness and energy to everything she touches at CA. We hope you enjoy reading and getting to know a bit more about our incredible teammate Sarah S.

1.Sarah, how long have you worked at CA Human Services?

I have worked at CA as the Manager of Adult Programs for almost a year and a half!

2. How has your career grown since joining the organization?

I feel that I have learned so much about non-profit management and the ins and outs of supporting adults in the transition to independence during my time at CA.

3.What do you like most about your job, what compels you to stay at CA?

I enjoy working with a fun and passionate team of effective and efficient professionals! I love working with our adults and families. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their successes and to be a part of that progress.

4.What would you do (for a career) if you were not doing this?

I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job and the career path I have chosen. But if I had to choose a different career path, it would definitely have me out in nature more and likely related to environmentalism!

5. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

When I am not working I enjoy spending time hiking, kayaking and swimming in the James, and going to see live music.

6. Where is your favorite place in the world?

My favorite place in the world is the Blue Ridge Mountains

7.What three words would you use to describe CA Human Services?

Service, Innovation, Passion.

8. What is the one thing, you can’t live without?

I definitely can’t live without exercise. It keeps my mind clear and my emotions in check after a long day.

9. What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love?

I am not ashamed that I love “The Office” but I am ashamed to admit the number of hours I have spent watching my favorite episodes.

10. If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Power of flight!

11. What kind of pet do you have and how did you choose to name it?

I have the sweetest Beagle/Hound Mix. He’s a short and long boy named Bear. I’ve known him since the day he was born and he looked like a tiny little black bear cub as a pup so I named him Bear. Now he looks like a school bus… he grew longer…. but not taller.

12. What is your go-to music?

I love all kinds of music, from bluegrass to jazz to hiphop!

13. What is the last song/artist you listened to?

The last artist I listened to was a thrifted Santana Album on my record player.

14. What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?

Richmonders! Did you know that Richmond is the only city in the US with call IV rapids within the city limits?

15. What characteristic do you admire most in others?

I admire compassion in others.

16. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Definitely the Tuna Poke Bowl from North End Juice Company

17. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a marine biologist

CA Human Services has been Advocating, Enabling, and Creating Change for over 25 years. The organization looks vastly different from our humble beginnings. We do systems change work here at CA. What that means is growth and change are constantly happening here. And, if growth and change are happening, that means we are actualizing our mission.

It is because of people like Sarah that we are able to do the work we do. Today our focus at CA is on the gaps for neurodiverse individuals aged 14 to 35, their caregivers and those providers who serve them. CA also focuses on ensuring information and resources for autism and other developmental disabilities are easily found and accessible for all Virginians. Our focus includes support services, training, and activism. Autism touches individuals from every race, culture, socioeconomic status, and regardless of gender. Thus, CA aims to ensure everyone is seen, heard, and represented.

If you’ve been touched by our services or know someone who could benefit from them, please contact us and let us know. We do the work we do because it is needed. But, we can’t do it without the support of others. Please consider donating to support our work.