Not just a job, a passion

Meet Kaitlyn. She started at Riverside earlier this year with one goal in mind, to get back to work. Kaitlyn is currently working at Norris School in Southampton as a lunch room monitor. Her responsibilities include assisting the students and monitor their behavior during lunchtime. Kaitlyn's favorite part of her job is helping the kindergarten students. "They are the ones that need the most assistance, they depend on me for my help." said Kaitlyn. She began her job in September after a thorough process with Riverside's Job Developer, Becky McDonald. After finding what Kaitlyn wanted to do for work, Becky began the process of finding a job that met her desires and goals. Not long after starting, Kaitlyn no longer needed coaching. "I felt confident to do the job on my own and I am really good at it." Kaitlyn shared. Norris School Food Service Manager, Kathleen shared that Kaitlyn is a great employee. "She takes direction well, never apprehensive or questions a task; she just does her job and does it well!" Kaitlyn attended Norris School and then moved onto Hampshire Regional High School and completed her Certificate of Academic Accomplishments & Attendance in 2017. Immediately following high school, she attended Holyoke Community College, completing the MAICIE Program in 2020. She has held a job since 2016; including the Rolling Acres Corn Maze, Big Y as a bagger, Norris School as a Kindergarten & Preschool Assistant, and a Data Entry Assistant for a home office business. Kaitlyn's parents are very proud of her accomplishments and grateful for Norris School staff believing in Kaitlyn's abilities to be part of the team. When Kaitlyn isn't working, she enjoys singing, art projects, swimming, traveling, and hanging out with her cat Zoe. Kaitlyn is getting a little time off soon and on her way with family to one of her favorite places to travel, Disney World.