Employee of the Month: Deanna Hamel

What originally made you want to work with EA?Deanna Hamel (Support Counselor/SWA) and family

I originally worked for another foster care agency for fourteen years before resigning. I took a two year break to self-reflect and figure out what I really wanted my career path to look like. My mind kept telling me to find a career that wasn't mentally/emotionally draining. In my search for the "perfect job" an old co-worker that was an EA employee called me. She told me how wonderful EA was as an agency and that there was an opening that I would be perfect for. I thought to myself "no way am I going to put myself back in a mentally draining position",  but my heart pulled me right back in and here I am six years later. Even though there can be stressful days, the good days definitely outweigh the bad. Working with youth and their families has always been my passion and I'm here to stay.

Describe what your best day on the job looks like:

My best day on the job is when I know I have helped others in a positive way.

What do you wish people knew about working in your field?

Working in this field is hard work, and at times you wonder if you’re even making a change. I can speak from experience: if you stick it out and put in the hard work, change will happen. Long ago, I was told it was my job to plant the seed and it will eventually grow.

How do you practice self care?

This is a good question. I've been a mother since the age of seventeen. I have always been a caretaker, never thinking twice about it. I have six children ages 6, 15, 21, 24, 27 and 30, so self-care in my world I guess would be a good night's sleep!

What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?

I love to crochet. I'm also addicted to seeing what crafts I can make out of dollar tree items. If you love to craft, check out Dollar Tree DIY on YouTube, you can thank me later lol.

 

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