We have been celebrating and recognizing our exceptional team of social workers at Unwritten Endings during the month of March, which is National Social Work month.
Our Practice Manager, Christina Ehli, interviewed our social workers so we can get to know them better on a more personal level. Read on to learn more about each of them.
Why did you choose social work as a profession?
Andrea Lunn: When I was studying for my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, I had a social work teacher that inspired me. I learned that there were many different career paths in the social work field. I knew I always wanted a profession helping others.
Alijah Jonah: After my personal experiences in therapy, I was moved to help people in a similar way. I was drawn to the field of social work specifically because of the comprehensive view that they take on an individual’s struggles.
Charlie Nicholas: I chose social work because I love working with children. I was an elementary school teacher for seven years before earning my Master’s degree in Social Work.
Jackie Olson: I was in college and I was on the elementary education career path. I was inspired by a social worker and learned more about it. I love working and playing with kids. Plus I love to talk!
If you could get on a plane right now and go anywhere in the world, and money were no object, where would it be and why?
Andrea: I would go to Thailand. I love to learn about different cultures.
Alijah: I would go to Spain as I have never been before. I am fascinated by the food, history, and the culture.
Charlie: South America so I can squeeze in as many places as I can: Peru, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil – I’ve always been enamored with the rain forest. I’d also love to go to New Zealand, Australia and Madagascar. It’s hard to pick just one 🙂
Jackie: I would go to Zurich, Switzerland and the countryside. I want to go in the fall when the cows come down off the mountain (Alpabfahrt). I would love to see that.
What is your comfort food or favorite food?
Andrea: Chocolate milk and/or chicken wings.
Alijah: Mashed potatoes and gravy.
Charlie: My all time favorite food is lamb shank that has been slow-cooked all day long so the meat is just falling off the bone. My comfort food is pizza!
Jackie: Homemade chili as I had that a lot growing up. When I go out to eat I love to eat Mexican food – tacos or chicken chimichangas.
When you’re having a bad day what do you do to make yourself feel better?
Andrea: Play or snuggle with my three cats: Burt, Lance and Jetti.
Alijah: Talk to my spouse or do a breathing exercise.
Charlie: Spend time with people I care about. No matter who they are, they will be able to help me forget about my bad day and put a smile on my face.
Jackie: When I am at home I like to cuddle with my dog and watch reality TV shows.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Andrea: Summer. I love the sun as it rejuvenates me. I love to be on the water, especially boating and swimming.
Alijah: Spring. I love watching the flowers bloom and new things come to life.
Charlie: Fall. The smell in the air, leaves changing color, moderate temperatures, drinking fresh apple cider, eating caramel apples & homemade pumpkin seeds, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet and swirling through the wind! It satisfies all of the senses.
Jackie: Fall. I love all of the clothing options – sweaters, boots, layers and light jackets.
What is your favorite day of the week?
Andrea: Friday because that is date night with my husband.
Alijah: Saturday – especially a slow Saturday.
Charlie: Sunday – to recharge my battery by resting, reading, and doing some self-care.
Jackie: Friday. I have that accomplished feeling on Friday plus it is the start of the weekend.
What book, movie or TV show could you read or watch many times?
Andrea: Criminal Minds
Alijah: The Office
Charlie: any book by Kurt Vonnegut
Jackie: The Office
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Andrea: Travel and spend time outdoors – swimming, walking and gardening are some of my favorite activities when I have free time.
Alijah: Gardening. I like to eat the vegetables I grow and enjoy cooking too.
Charlie: Spending time outside, reading, and enjoying time with family.
Jackie: Baking – cakes, sugar cookies and bread. I also enjoy traveling and nature walks.
What was your first job? What did you like and/or dislike about it?
Andrea: When I was in high school I was a nanny during the summer. The children were ages 3 and 5. They are still like family to me. We would swim, ride bikes and go to museums.
Alijah: I was a library assistant in the interlibrary loans department. I enjoy organizing and tidying things up. I loved it!
Charlie: My first job was washing dishes at my dad’s carry-out restaurant. I was only 13 and it made me feel grown up and more responsible.
Jackie: I was a waitress during my first summer after high school and before I started college. I did not like bussing and wiping the tables.
What is your favorite holiday?
Andrea: Thanksgiving. I love all of the food and spending time with family.
Alijah: Thanksgiving – being grateful, all of the food, and time with family.
Charlie: Christmas because that is when I know I can spend time with my brother and sister who live out of state
Jackie: Christmas. I love Christmas dinner, celebrating with family, and game night on Christmas.
