Employee of the Month: Karon Wilson-Lee
What originally made you want to work with EA?
That’s actually a funny story. I was doing my internship at another nonprofit agency in the Placerville area and met Gigi Ferrari, an EA Social Worker, at a Nurtured Heart Approach training. Gigi and I became friends and ran into each other frequently. One morning while I was at Starbucks I asked Gigi about the opportunities for volunteering at EA. Gigi knew I was working on my masters program and suggested I apply for the social worker position.
At first I was reluctant to apply because I didn’t really want a job I just wanted to go someplace where I could hang with children and have fun. Gigi encouraged me to apply anyway. When I got the call for an interview I decided to go to the interview. During the interview I really liked the family feel and the fun environment of the office staff. So, when I was offered the job I decided to except the position.
Describe what your best day on the job looks like:
My best day on the job is a day where I see positive growth in one of my clients. I love it when a client, who has been struggling academically, sends me a screenshot of their ARIES to show me their grades have improved.
What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
I wish people realized that being a social worker is not a 9-to-5 job. As a social worker each decision we make shapes and molds another human being‘s life. It is not something where you just lock the office door and walk away from it. Often social workers process and try to think of creative ways of helping a child crisis even when you’re not on the clock.
How do you practice self care?
I love spending time with my husband and children. One of my favorite ways of practicing self-care is to take a short drive up the road to Taylor Creek in Southlake Tahoe and walk through the preserve. I also enjoy spending time at the lake and visiting many of the restaurants in the South Lake Tahoe area.
What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I would think most people would be surprised to find out that I have seven children. My children range in age from 44 to 6. My husband and I were foster parents for close to 20 years. I currently have a 13 and 6 year old son as well as an 8 year old daughter. I’d love to even the numbers with an 8th child!
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you for the nomination, I look forward to many more years of serving the children interested to our agency.