Janessa, a 2014 Bethany graduate, is a case manager at Visiting Angels Living Assistance in Mankato, Minn.
WHAT YOU DO • • • I am the main point of contact for potential and existing clients and caregivers. I spend most of my days hiring and training caregivers to work in our elderly client’s homes, as well as doing consultations for families and their loved ones interested in getting assistance while they are living in their home. It is a very rewarding job!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU • • • My favorite part of the job is when clients are hesitant to receive any help, and then warm up to the caregiver so much so that they wish they would have received services years ago. They can live out their dream of staying safely in their home.
HOW YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE • • • I hope to see our local franchise grow to the point where we need more office staff to keep serving our community. Ultimately, I would love to be a director of an independent/assisted living facility for seniors.
HOW BETHANY HAS PREPARED YOU • • • I interned at Primrose Retirement Community under the executive director at the time, which is how I met my employers now. I also did an independent study in gerontology, which helped me grow in my specific area of interest.
WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT BETHANY • • • The friendly atmosphere. It was a wonderful place to grow!
ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS • • • Cater your courses to fit your interests. Most professors assign some sort of project where you get the opportunity to pick what to write or talk about. Don’t just pick something random. Pick something you are passionate about!