Employee of the Month: Laurie Roach
This month we're pleased to feature Laurie Roach as January's employee of the month. Read on to learn more about what made her want to join the EA team, what her best day on the job looks like, and more!
What led you to EA, and what originally interested you in the company?
Six years ago I decided it was time for me to go back to school and achieve my Master's degree in Psychology. Once I started down that path, I felt it was important to gain experience, as well as be able to support my two children. I applied for the Social Worker position at EA because I absolutely love working with children. Due to my past experience of working for the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and families in reunification, I've always wanted to make more of a difference in children's lives. When I was offered the position of Social Worker, I was excited because I knew this was my calling. I appreciated the family aspect that EA provides for the children in care, and how they value your role as a parent too. As a single mother of two young boys, I appreciate the value EA places on my family as well.
What does your best day on the job look like?
I'm constantly striving to find homes for children in need. My best day on the job is finding a safe home for a child and their siblings, and securing them in placement. This task is often challenging and very time consuming while performing ongoing social worker duties. There are many phone calls made, paperwork sent back and forth, and setting up transport for the children to get to the home. Open communication with the county workers and my foster parents is essential during this process, and I feel the strong relationships I've built over the years has been valuable in helping my placements become secured easily. My foster families are always willing to help children, and respond to me in a timely manner at all hours. Though the task is challenging, there is no better feeling than knowing a child is safe, in a home I've help provide as a social worker. At the end of those days, though tired, I feel great about placing children.
What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
I wish people knew how rewarding this job is. Often when asked what I do for living, their first response to hearing my title is to say 'that must be hard.' It is, but it's also incredibly rewarding. There's nothing better than knowing you've helped place children in a safe environment; that's important for people to know. Social work, though challenging, makes me happy.
How do you practice self-care?
Self-care is a huge priority for me. I make an effort to ride my horse twice a month. I also like to go hiking, paddleboarding, biking, fishing, skiing, running, and walking as much as possible. During the week I exercise daily. I like participating in group classes like BARRE (a ballet-type class), pilates, and yoga. I also like reading books and being outside as much as possible. I'm happiest when I'm at the top of a mountain near Tahoe with no cell phone service.
What's something about you that would surprise most people?
Most people who are close to me already know my love for sports. I'm a ridiculous Raiders fan. I've had season tickets for years now, and I've tirelessly watched them lose since I was a young child. I also watch hockey; I love the San Jose Sharks. Though sports are important to me, I also love to write and read. I want to write and publish a book in the very near future.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Go Raiders!