Tell us a little about your business. – I work for Caretech, Inc. (caretechinc.com) and our role is to help families by providing caregiving support so that their loved ones can continue to live out in the community as independently and for as long as possible. Whether that person is aging or has a physical disability, we want those individuals in a home setting for as long as possible.
How did you get started in the business? – I first became interested in this field when I was child, and my mother was a SPED teacher at the time. She and I would volunteer at Special Olympics and seeing the smiles from everyone helped me realize that I wished to help others.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – One of the biggest challenges I have experienced professionally was seeing a person in need not qualify for services that would have substantially improved their life and the grief the family experienced when they learned of the outcome.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married and have three dogs, one of which has special needs. Unfortunately I lost my mother a few years ago to metastatic breast cancer and my father has Parkinson’s. I have amazing three sets of aunts and uncles, and one cousin, all of whom I am lucky to have a close relationship with. My husband has one niece who just recently got her driver’s license and a nephew currently in college and I am so proud of them.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – On my day off, I like to spend time with my dogs and just sit back and read.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I enjoy watching anime, reading manga, and playing video games and I love learning about ghosts and the supernatural from other countries.
Who inspires you? – Anyone who steps out of their comfort zone to advocate for others and what is right are truly inspiring.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice? – Put yourself in another person’s “shoes” before passing judgement is one I do my best to follow. We do not know everyone’s story and every story is unique and we should not dismiss anyone until we look at all the information.
Which talent would you most like to have? – The ability to draw or play music. I always wanted to learn how to play the violin and I would love to be able to put on paper what is in my imagination.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I always wanted to be a graphic/digital artist, but I also would love to have been a librarian.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Special Olympics has a special place in my heart from when I was a child.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.
What is your favorite movie? – The original Ghostbusters!
What is your favorite TV show? – Futurama.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would love to meet Sherlock Holmes, but since he is not a real person, I would say Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached at renee@caretechinc.com if anyone would like to contact me.