Nominator Comments:
Rafaela is a goal-oriented, highly motivated individual, continually looking to improve herself, and the lives of those around her. She is in the top 5% of the staff we have had in the last decade, and The Club and her fellow staff have come to rely on her dedication and expertise. She has excellent knowledge and instincts, consistently demonstrates real professionalism, and has an impeccable work ethic, encouraging those around her to be their best selves. As Rafaela worked towards her Masters on an international student Visa, the number of hours she was able to work was capped at 20/week. However, even after reaching her maximum paid time permitted, there she was day after day, program after program volunteering her time to provide coverage and support. Rafaela is always found at the special events/dances, going that extra mile to ensure the best time for members, Working with individuals who have complex medical and behavioural disabilities can be a difficult and emotional job. It is not a field that where you can leave your finished day “at the office”, and most days work from home into the evenings supporting and connecting with families. Finding passionate long-term staff is difficult, and once found, it takes years of training and time to develop the individual connections needed to make us successful at our jobs. Rafaela has put in this time. She has developed the trust and bond with our members, their families, and their support systems to ensure that the important work that we do is possible.