Andrew Gomez
What brought you to Mainstream Living?
About 20 years ago, a friend who worked for the organization told me that I should apply. I followed her advice, but was not hired after my first interview until nearly four months later. The HR person was not impressed at the time and years after, shared with that she did not think I would last a month. I started in direct care working back to back 24 hour shifts at the Story City group home. Nearly two decades and several professional hats later, I am a Team Leader at the Center and am still doing my best to understand that anyone can excel at this adventure of a job if they want to, are aptly led, and are given the opportunity.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
With my familia or studying. I’m also a regular photographer for Special Olympics Iowa and I sing at weddings and funerals.
What is something employees may not know about you?
I am an aviator at heart and in training. I am currently working on attaining my Private Pilot License. With the proper number of hours in the classroom, in the air, and with passing test scores, the FAA would approve of me flying a multi-engine craft with passengers in Class A airspace. My aim is to eventually achieve an instructor endorsement and teach others to fly.
Favorite Color: The Ice Spires of Callisto
Favorite Food: Tacos. Anything.
Favorite Song/Music: film scores
Dream Vacation: I would like to be to circumnavigate the world in an airplane with my wife and our daughter. What better way to see the world?