Where are you from and what it was like growing up there?
I am from a Mexican neighborhood in Tucson AZ known as “Barrio Hollywood”. It was very tightly knit. Everyone knew everyone. It was either a relative or friend or a neighbor you knew since birth, so they were like family too. Growing up there was good but drugs and alcohol and criminality was commonplace. Normal. Almost expected.
What did you do before working at Orion?
Before Orion I have been many many things from an inmate to a drug addict. CNC Machinist to Janitor and Cashier. Heavy Machine Operator to Art Studio Assistant. Job Coach to BHT. Recovery Support Specialist to Covid 19 Contact Tracer. Construction, Demolition, Maintenance. HVAC. Electrical. Plumbing. Concrete. Landscaper. Homeless even.
How has your background influenced the way you approach your work, and do you feel that it helps you connect with the residents?
I am a Recovery Support Specialist. I am a true Peer Support. I receive services. I am diagnosed SMI. I have had the same experiences and frustrations from medications to waking up in jail and hospitals not knowing how I got there or what I have done. From suicidal ideology to attempts and drug and alcohol addiction. I know their pain because I am them. The deprivation. The isolation. Hallucinations. I have had them all, so they relate to me.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while working here?
Once, a member told me, “It’s more like a real home when you’re here”. That in itself says everything.
What is something about your personal or professional journey that you’re most proud of?
Writing my book, “Heroin Music”, and speaking about it publicly. Going to book festivals and people lining up to buy and autograph my story of fiction based on fact. It’s great to see when someone downloads my book on kindle that they are in Australia or Japan or Great Britain. That my book it literally all over the world.
Is there anything you’ve learned from working here that has helped you in your life outside of work?
Tolerance and acceptance and the art of not trying to impose my will over anyone. Just control my reaction to them or what they do and always be there to listen.
What advice do you have for new staff members or those interested in working in mental health?
Do not do it if your heart is not into it. Listen. Engage. Behavioral Health is a constant battle to where our members own families can no longer do what we do for them on a daily basis and always take care of yourself as well.