Employee of the Month: Ayla Coral
Meet EA’s Lead Case Manager for Adult Mental Health Ayla Coral
How long have you been with EA? What roles have you had?
About two years now. During my time with EA, I’ve worn many hats. I've been a Case Manager of course, but I’ve also helped clients manage their medications, been their chauffeur to many different locations in and out of Plumas county, and their general support rock when times get rough.
What originally made you want to work with EA?
Honestly, when I first applied to the job, I was looking forward to the fact that EA was in my hometown, a place I desperately wished to return to, and getting to work alongside a long time friend. Once I got to EA, I realized the flexibility and openness to new experiences was a fantastic upgrade from my previous mental health based job. I felt like I could really provide more to my community.
Describe what your best day on the job looks like.
The best day on the job is actually a quiet day. It’s a day where my clients message me about the activities they are participating in without me. On those days, I know the hard work the clients and I have done together has truly paid off. I can sit back and watch the happiness and contentment radiate off of the beautiful people in our program.
What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
There are going to be some extremely tough days. Days that feel like you have spent years of your life in a single moment. When those days occur, going home and truly engaging in the most important self care you have is of the utmost importance. And don’t forget to remind yourself that you have done everything you could have in that day—it’s ok to be human.
How do you practice self care?
My self care typically looks like watching TV or movies with my husband and then taking a tiny sleep (a 3-4 hour nap). Sometimes, my husband and I will play a video game (Stardew Valley or Minecraft) together before I take a tiny sleep.
What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I suppose my hidden talent would be my art. I love to draw and paint when the inspiration so strikes me. Oh and I almost forgot, another hidden talent of mine is being able to identify most car makes, and sometimes the models too, just by seeing the emblem/badge of a car or the body of a car.