After over twenty years of working as a social worker, I was offered the opportunity to retire. After a couple of years of chasing after my hobbies and interests, I decided that it was time return to an old passion. That passion is helping others. I came to the twin falls area as part of the interview process and found it physically beautiful. After two days here, I was struck by the kindness and friendliness of people here. So yes, I did find the twin falls area cold, but the people warm. I hope that I can be of service to the people of twin falls and I look forward to meeting you.
FAMILY: I am currently living on my own and the proud father of an adult daughter. She is now living on her own and working in her career as a paralegal. My extended family lives in south Texas. I have a sibling living in Illinois (where I grew up). The other two have moved to Texas.
INTERESTST HOBBIES: I have an interest in spirituality and religions. Social Justice is another interest, but feel that I have not done enough personally. At the ground level, I enjoy photography and travel. Music is another passion, simply listening to it at home is as far as that goes, but would like to learn drumming.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: I am looking forward to meeting the diverse people of the Twin Falls Area and my peers at work. I am interested in finding out the unique problems of the area and learning how I can help.
POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT:
With close to 30 years of professional experience, I can only give an overview. I started as a bachelor level social worker in Chicago. I started at Pilsen/Little Village Community Mental Health Center in 1991 as a counselor in a homeless shelter for families. I was later offered a position working in a program serving the severely mentally ill. Here I learned about psychosis and the people that suffered from that as well as community resources. After receiving my masters in 1996, I went on to work at what was then known as the West Side VA Hospital in Chicago. Here I continued working with the severely mentally population, but this time they were veterans with more resources. I eventually left the VA and moved to Texas in 1998. I joined the Army Reserve as well and completed three tours of duty as a social work officer. I was able to return to the VA during this time and was able to work with veterans with a deeper understanding this time around. During these appointments, I worked with victims of sexual assault in the Army as well as the command structure to address this issue. I also have worked with families and children suffering from the consequences of deployment. I also was able to work with those suffering from combat trauma as well as addictions. My time in the VA and the Army were both been very rewarding.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
Silver Caduceus while in the Army
Latino Social Workers Organization-2000
Toastmasters International-2005.