Staff Spotlight: Stefanie Niemira
Since joining The Salvation Army Children's Services staff in 2016, Stefanie Niemira has been pouring her heart and soul into providing excellent, empathetic, and compassionate support to people at all stages of their journey. A TBRI practitioner, Stefanie has an amazing ability to see the needs behind people's behaviors - whether it is a frustrated mom yelling at her during a supervised visit or a 3 year old attempting to escape from kids' club at the HALO program. She is incredibly kind and caring and she sees the dignity and preciousness in each of her clients.
We are so fortunate to have an amazing person like Stefanie as part of our team, and her wisdom and compassion inspire the rest of our staff on a daily basis. Plus, if you ever get the chance to see her office, you are in for a treat - it is not only beautifully decorated and full of fun colors and patterns, but bursting with positive and encouraging messages as well.
Get to know Stefanie:
What is your role at The Salvation Army and what does it entail?
My roles at the agency are Visit Coach and HALO Admin. As a Visit Coach, I support birth families in understanding and meeting their children's needs as well as connecting them to community resources to help them achieve stability. As a HALO Admin, I prepare and organize the supplies needed to run the HALO Program. I also recruit and train volunteers who desire to be a big buddy for the HALO Program.
What drew you to a career in social work?
When I was younger, I had amazing social workers who guided my family and I through my journey of battling cancer. Ever since then, I knew that I too, wanted to support people who were in a vulnerable place.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?
There would be more homes available for children and youth entering care and that those homes would be trauma informed and, also set up with positive supports to best meet the needs of the children in the home.
What is one piece of advice you have for people considering becoming foster/adoptive parents?
Connect with other foster/adoptive parents in your community to hear more about their journey and ask as many questions as you need to a professional at the agency to feel comfortable and informed.
What are you doing for self-care these days?
Since the weather is getting nicer, I have been enjoying taking my dog, Pepper, for longer walks. I also love reorganizing and redecorating my home - it brings me peace!
And just for fun...what are your favorite:
- Animal: I love all animals
- Color: Purple
- Food: I really enjoy going out to eat to try new foods - but Spanish and Mediterranean foods are my favorites!
- Ice Cream Flavor: Caramel or Cookies and Cream
- Sport: I love to watch football but I love to play tennis!
- Vacation Destination: Anywhere that there is a beach!
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