Employee of the Month: Gina Dwyer
This month we're pleased to feature Gina Dwyer as our employee of the month! Before joining the EA team as one of our amazing Social Workers, Gina taught sex education and empowerment to young women living in the inner city in Los Angeles. Read on to learn more about what her best day on the job looks like, how she practices self-care, and more!
What originally made you want to work with EA Family Services?
I originally went into social work while I was living in LA. I loved working with teens, and I wanted to help educate young people about the opportunities that are available in the world, how to rise above some of the social expectations that can limit young people. Years later, I was six months pregnant and working in a very intense mental health position, so I felt like I needed to make a change. I interviewed for a position as a social worker at EA, but it felt too good to be true. The possibility of working in a role that helped young people, while also maintaining my personal and family growth seemed impossible. It took me about a year of working with EA to fully believe it, but it does; and I have loved every day since.
What does your best day on the job look like?
My best days are when my clients are awake before noon, I assist them in setting their future goals and creating actionable steps to complete them, and we start checking them off. Whether that means helping them cash a check, set an appointment, or go to the grocery store (food shopping with teens is so fun!). Simply put, my perfect work day includes helping young people to embrace their greatness.
What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
That teens are awesome, if we as adults can set our agendas aside and allow them to take center stage.
How do you practice self-care?
In an ideal week I like to hike, mountain bike, or do yoga. But my self-care usually looks more like coloring, walking with my toddler, and after bedtime ice cream.
What's something about you that would surprise most people?
I guess the most fascinating things would be that I used to be a downhill ski racer, and that I was briefly in the movie Traffic.