Employee of the Month: Kylie Haines

Kylie

What originally made you want to work with EA?
Having worked with foster youth while in school, I was eager to find a position in the field after graduating with my BSW. I'm passionate about helping others during challenging times and find great joy in seeing individuals and families overcome obstacles to succeed. EA has been a wonderfully supportive workplace to do meaningful work where I get to engage these values.

Describe what your best day on the job looks like:
My favorite days start with a few morning home visits with my THP clients, followed by a productive hour or two at the office to work on documentation, rounded out by a few more field visits with clients. The best days involve collaborating with my EA colleagues to find creative solutions, engage community supports to broaden my understanding of local resources, or working with my THP clients to work toward their goals. This always involves spending lots of time in the car and I have plenty of podcasts and phone calls to keep me occupied!

What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
Social workers are some of the most creative, compassionate, and educated professionals out there. We do what we do because we care deeply about people and believe whole-heartedly in those we serve!

How do you practice self care?
I enjoy distance running, yoga, cooking, walking my mini Australian Shepherd pup, Luna, and spending time outdoors to keep myself healthy and grounded. Quality time with family and friends and a daily cup of craft coffee are also important self care in my world.

What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I lived in Italy in my early 20's and almost reached Italian fluency. I've lost a lot of my vocabulary, but I can still order food!

Anything else you'd like to add?
I've been attending and online MSW program through Fordham University in NYC, and I'm incredibly excited to graduate with my Masters of Social Work in December this year!

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