2 MIN READ
Values Ambassador Spotlight: Gabriel Brooking
Nominated by: Tristen Moore
Value: Service
Gabriel might have only just celebrated his first anniversary with Heartspring, but he’s made an astounding impact in a short amount of time for the staff and children around him.
Gabe’s a paraprofessional in the Heartspring Therapeutic School, but he’s quick to help out wherever there’s a need on campus like in the group homes on the weekend and within our Community Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE) program in the evenings.
“His positive attitude is infectious,” says Tristen Moore, CARE Coordinator. “Gabe doesn't just show up to work every day, but he gives it his all and really enjoys being with our kids, whether that's in the classroom, in their group home, at Teen Hangout, or Parents Night Out with the littles.”
Despite having previous experience at an organization that served children with neurodevelopmental disorders and delays, Gabriel was nervous about starting in a new environment like Heartspring. However, when Tristen talked about opportunities for employees to help with CARE in orientation, he recognized that it would be similar to his previous job, which helped him build his confidence and comfortability in the classroom.
“He wants to be the best he can be for the students we serve,” Alex Kimmel, his supervisor and classroom teacher says. “He is willing to try different strategies with students and is always wanting to learn more and how he can improve.”
Gabriel describes the way staff work together as a web of interactions. In a general sense, paras and Direct Care Professionals help teachers, therapists, and the Behavior Team run students’ Individualized Education Plans and behavior plans, but they’re also helping provide the data that inform the plans. They assist our students on community outings and medical appointments and in developing their daily living and communication skills.
“The reason I’m drawn to this work is the relationships,” Gabriel says. “At Heartspring, you get the opportunity to form such meaningful relationships with these kids because they’re here for so long.”
Gabriel also acknowledges the different personalities and perspectives of other team members in the school who help our students succeed. No one at Heartspring could help these children alone, but we’re stronger together.
“I’m not the same person that I was when I first started,” Gabriel says. “The relationships I have with my students and the relationships I have with the people I work with have shaped me into who I am, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Gabriel came to Heartspring because he had a passion for special education but didn’t know what direction to take his career in. Through his role, he’s learned that he’s happiest when he’s helping the students and wants to stay in classrooms where he feels like he can make the most impact.
Thank you for everything you do for the children we serve, Gabriel.
