Posted 09/08/2021
During the recent Summer Fun Virtual Dance Party held for individuals and staff across the country in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Division, former Direct Support Professional Victoria Schaffer looked at her computer screen and started identifying many individuals with whom she had worked with previously. Turns out, that over a five-year period, Victoria has worked at five different locations in three different states serving people in Merakey’s IDD Services. From November 2017 to March 2019, Victoria worked at homes in Slippery Rock, PA, and then in Virginia Beach, VA. In late 2019, she returned to Slippery Rock, PA. As the pandemic hit in early 2020, Victoria moved to San Diego and was quickly hired and currently serves as a PRN Lead Residential Behavior Tech in our residential site in Escondido, CA.
Victoria first heard about Merakey while attending Slippery Rock University, and she worked with some individuals, teaching them therapeutic riding. She fondly remembers her experiences during college and absolutely loved helping individuals. When Victoria heard that Merakey was hiring, she applied immediately and was hired on the spot! She also remembers working with “one of the best trainers” who made orientation fun and enjoyable.
Reflecting back, Victoria appreciates being able to go to college and have a job that worked well around her classes. With having a spouse in the military, she moved a lot. “With the company continuously expanding and growing, it has created a lot of great opportunities for me to grow with Merakey and still be able to keep working in the field that I love and enjoy no matter where I move,” stated Victoria.