Sean Goedken-Abramowitz
What brought you to Mainstream Living?
When I graduated from college, I took a job with a human services provider, and it was a terrible experience. It made me think that human services was not for me, and I became a paratransit driver. I met a lot of interesting people as a bus driver, but my favorite people were always members of Mainstream Living. I learned that a friend of mine worked here, and she encouraged me to apply. That was nine years ago, and I am still excited at every chance I get to make a positive impact in someone’s life.
What is your favorite thing about work?
I have several favorite things. In general, over the years, I have helped people to grow and to become more whole. So many people we serve have had their humanity stripped away at some point in their lives, and I like to be the person who can help restore that for them by really listening and empowering them to take back control of their own lives. I also enjoy helping people to understand their identities, how disability fits into this, and bringing people to the point where they are comfortable advocating for themselves and for the community of people with disabilities as a whole.
In my current role, my favorite thing is helping to set staff off on the right foot, and making sure they are aware of their value to the people we serve, and to the organization as a whole. My favorite interactions with staff are those in which I can help them come to the realization that their ideas and input have real and meaningful impact. I’m also proud of the fact that I can empower staff to gain a broader awareness of the social issues facing the populations we serve, and become advocates themselves.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Most of my time is currently taken up parenting my five year old and two year old and sleeping whenever they allow it. However, I love to write fiction and poetry, cook, spend time outdoors, paint, bike, do yoga, and share meaningful conversation and laughter with friends.
What is something employees may not know about you?
I’ve written a novel. I haven’t found anyone who wants to publish it, but I wrote it nonetheless. I am currently working on novel number two.
Favorite Color: green
Favorite Food: Anything I haven’t tried before. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be Greek.
Favorite Music: live jazz