“This month, we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, whose ingenuity, grit, and perseverance have pushed our great American experiment forward.” White House Brief, April 30, 2024. We are recognizing our team members and sharing their stories!
Sophia, LCMHCA, NCC, is a therapist at PORT Health’s Greenville Adult Outpatient Center (GAOP), where she provides individual therapy sessions and runs a support group named, Life After Trauma. Sophia (shown on right) is passionate about helping people overcome trauma and develop resilience by creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. As a second-generation Vietnamese immigrant, Sophia believes it is vital to recognize and celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. She sees this month as an opportunity to honor the unique cultures, traditions and histories of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Sophia’s own family immigrated to the United States during the Vietnam War and her grandfather (shown on left) instilled in her the values of education and service, particularly in healthcare. Sophia relates most to the IDEAL principle, Authenticity. “I think therapy works when you are able to accept and extend empathy to each person we support for who they are in that moment. There is peace and healing that can happen when you are able to have empathy for someone being their most authentic self”.
Monika is an Accounts Receivable Specialist at Easterseals UCP. She has worked for there for the past 13 years. As part of the finance team, her main responsibilities are cash posting and reconciling monies received from Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and private insurance. Monika moved to the United States from India in 1991. She believes it’s important to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage to recognize individual background and contributions to their adopted country. “Many immigrants have made America their home and have worked hard to better their neighborhoods, society and country.” Monika relates most to the IDEAL principle of Authenticity.” It’s really important for every individual to be true and authentic to one’s self, one’s origins and one’s identity.”
Lori is a Substance Abuse Counselor at PORT Health and has more than 12 years of experience. She leads groups and ensures that her patients are safe. She also assists patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) while teaching them essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning and laundry. Outside of work, Lori values spending time with her family and they often gather to enjoy a Hawaiian luau. She believes it’s important to recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Asian and Pacific community. Lori relates most relates to the IDEAL principle of Learning. “I continue to grow by asking questions and learning with respect and humility.”
ABOUT EASTERSEALS UCP
Easterseals UCP and PORT Health are trustworthy, compassionate partners providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsucp.com.
