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You don’t have to
talk to Luis Ramirez for long before you realize that he is a “glass
half-full” kind of person.
Luis was hired by The
Bridge as a therapist and outreach counselor when he completed his
Masters in Social Work in May 2003. In that capacity, he counsels
young people and families, works with a variety of adolescent groups
in the schools, and runs the summer recreation program.
“Though I’ve only
been here for a little over a year,” said Luis, “I feel like I’ve
had so many experiences. I have worked with families from a variety
of cultures; met several school administrators and other local
professionals; facilitated adventure-based programming; and
chaperoned social events.
“I am passionate about my job as a social
worker and I believe in what I am doing,” said Luis. “I have always
been drawn to social services—always—ever since I was young. I was
an average student—I had to work hard—but I’ve always had an
intuition and sense of compassion for people. I get a sense of
fulfillment and reward from working with people.
“I really like working with adolescents,”
said Luis. “They are honest. I learn a lot about myself through
their honesty. You hear the phrase ‘high-risk kids’ a lot. Many,
if not all, kids at one point or another are at risk. I’m working
with kids from different backgrounds and I see how resilient they’ve
become from the situations they have encountered in their families
and their past. Working with that resiliency is important.”
Luis’s family is from Cuba. Luis was
born in the United States and lived most of his growing up years in
Hartford. “I think being bi-cultural is helpful to me in working
with clients,” said Luis.
“I think clients appreciate true empathy
and genuine sincerity. I stress that with my clients. I am not
here to waste their time and if it is beyond my area of expertise,
and they need a different level of service, I work to make that
happen.
“Our Bridge team is supportive, flexible,
and open,” said Luis. “It makes for a constructive working
environment. My supervisor, Pat Doherty, has been great. She’s
supportive and I like her open door policy. Pat listens and cares
about the clients and does whatever she can to meet their needs.
She advocates for our staff and deals with issues behind the scenes
so that we can work more effectively with our clients.
“Winnie Rohrbaugh, my clinical
supervisor, is helping me to grow professionally. We discuss
different theories and options as we review my cases.”
Luis finds it impossible to talk about
himself and his work without expressing gratitude for family,
friends, and many mentors and supervisors who have been supportive.
“I am fortunate to have a good family. My mother is my inspiration
and #1 role model.
“My spirituality is important to me,”
said Luis. “It keeps me grounded personally and professionally.”
“Luis brings his heart and compassion
with him to work each day,” said Pat Doherty. “He focuses on his
clients’ strengths and potential, and I think that makes them feel
safe with him and allows them to work through some of the difficult
and painful things they sometimes face. He is such an important
part of our team.”
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