10 Trudeau Truths with Direct Support Professional James Daily
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.
Joy found her calling in high school, helping a classmate navigate the halls, and she never looked back. Today she’s Coordinator of Health Services for Pathways, with 37 years of stories that’ll stick with you: a mentor who shaped her nursing career, and a Disney World trip that made a client’s dream come true.
Off the clock, she’s camping an traveling with her husband, dreaming of a Mediterranean cruise, and hanging out with her cat, Felix. Fun fact! Her family grew in 2011 when George joined them through Trudeau’s Shared Living program. Get the full story, below!
10 Trudeau Truths with Joy Pizarro
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in human services?
I was inspired to pursue a career in human services after an experience I had in high school. I volunteered to assist a former classmate and friend who needed extra support due to physical challenges. I helped her navigate the school and carry her books and provide physical assistance throughout the school day. Being able to support someone in such a meaningful way had a lasting impact on me and inspired my desire to help others.
After graduation, I saw an ad in a local newspaper for group home staff at the Trudeau Center. I applied and began working in a group home in Coventry. From the moment I started, I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be. I worked part-time in the group home as well as in the nurse’s office as a medical assistant. During that time, I realized I wanted to further my career and become a nurse.
While I worked at The Trudeau Center I attended nursing school. I was fortunate to have an incredible mentor during that time, Judy, who was the director of Nursing at Trudeau and also my supervisor. Judy inspired and encouraged me throughout nursing school and helped shape the nurse I am today. Her guidance, along with my early experience helping others, confirmed that human services and nursing were the right career path for me.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
What I find most rewarding about my job is working with the students and staff. Every day, I have the opportunity to learn something new from both students and colleagues. The students help me see things from different perspectives, and the staff consistently demonstrate outstanding support, teamwork, and guidance. I feel fortunate to work in an environment where I can continue to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
3. Can you describe a memorable moment or success story from your time working at Trudeau?
One memorable experience was caring for a woman in Trudeau’s adult program who was undergoing cancer treatment. As her nurse, I supported her throughout that journey. She had always dreamed of going to Disney World, and with help from The Trudeau Center, she received a grant to make that dream come true. I was pleased to accompany her, and it became a truly special experience for both of us. Today, she is healthy and enjoying her retirement.
As a Children’s Services nurse, I also find great joy in watching students grow from young children to the point where they either graduate from Pathways or return to their home school.
4. What’s something about people with differing abilities (or working with them) that you wish other people knew or better understood?
Patience and understanding are essential. I wish more people recognized the importance of taking time to understand and support people with different abilities.
5. What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
My favorite way to spend a weekend is camping with my husband Roy and my family. I enjoy sitting by the fire and just being out in nature.
6. Favorite book, movie, and/or TV show.
I enjoy watching Chicago Med and Chicago fire.
7. Do you have any pets?
I have a cat who is one year old, his name is Felix.
8. What’s your favorite food?
Although I am a very picky eater, I enjoy having meals cooked on the grill.
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I love to travel, and each year my husband and I try to visit a new destination. I would especially love to take a Mediterranean cruise so I can enjoy new scenery and learn about different cultures.
10. What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I have two adult sons, along with George, who joined our family in 2011 through the Shared Living program.
