10 Trudeau Truths with Home-based Children’s Services Clinician Marissa Falco

You know them as the educators, caregivers and leaders who work to keep everything running smoothly so that our clients at the Trudeau Memorial Center can have the best experience possible. But what are they like when they’re off the clock? 

Here’s a chance to get a more personal look at the people who make up the team at Trudeau… 10 questions at a time. 

10 Trudeau Truths with Marissa Falco

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?

I have always enjoyed being able to support others.  Whether that is more hands on, writing plans and training staff to support my clients. Or being able to listen to a family talk about their experiences, to help them feel seen and heard.

2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?

When clients are able to reach the goals that we have written into the plan and gain independence in their life, that is truly rewarding. I know that this work we do, in home-based children’s services, is something that will impact them throughout their lives.

3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?

I have had multiple clients who have been able to graduate from our programs.  Though it is hard to no longer support them and their family, I know that it means they have made a lot of progress and are ready for the next chapter of their life.

4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?

People with disabilities want to be seen as a whole person, not their disability. Supporting someone with a disability as a whole person means seeing their strengths, goals, quirks and flaws. Love and acceptance should be the standard for everyone.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

I love being able to spend time with my family, going camping in the summer, being able to disconnect from the world and spend time together. Our son is creative like I am, so I enjoy being able to make art with him or build Legos.

6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.

My favorite book is Great Gatsby.  My favorite movie is Marvel’s Thunderbolts. I think it tackled the topic of mental health in such an impactful way. And my favorite TV show right now is The Summer I Turned Pretty.

7. Do you have any pets?

We have a golden retriever puppy named Cali! She is full of energy and a real spitfire!

8. What’s your favorite food?

I love tacos and pizza!

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to visit Italy.  I am Italian, I think it would be amazing to be able to visit where my family is from. I would also love to visit Greece.

10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I am an artsy and creative person in my downtime.  I love any form of art; painting, drawing, embroidery, and my newest hobby, stained glass!  I drew one of my tattoos!  And I have been able to sell my stained-glass pieces at craft shows and special orders through my business, The Light From Within.  Though it can be difficult and time-consuming, I love seeing the end result!