NW Works in Profile: Megan Castano
Megan Castano
Meet Megan Castano! Megan is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) who offers guidance and support to the individuals served at NW Works. This month she is celebrating her 1 year work anniversary with us! Megan was drawn to NW Works on a personal and professional level. Working within the disabled community is natural for Megan, as she grew up alongside her cousin who has a disability and the two of them are very close. Professionally, Megan is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Human Services at Old Dominion University. Prior to joining NW Works, Megan worked for Project HOPE located in Washington D.C.
When asked what their favorite part of NWW is, nearly all employees will cite the people we have the honor of serving. While Megan quickly answered the same way, she added she likes that no day is ever the same at NW Works. “There’s an incredible amount of variety in our weeks here at NW Works and we’re given the ability to extend ourselves in different areas.” For Megan, this extension comes in the form of community engagement on top of direct support professional work. Taking the people we serve into our wider community has been a source of joy for Megan, as she’s able to interact with more of the individuals at NWW than just the few that are in her room. Megan enjoys seeing the impact the people we serve have on the community and local businesses. Many of the skills developed on NW Works’ campus easily transfer to community volunteer work, and the people we serve are able to flourish. Currently, Megan spends two days per week in the community, but she’d love to spend more. Between her time as a DSP and her role in our community engagement program, Megan has seen the importance of community involvement for the people we serve. With community involvement comes the development of skills, increased socialization opportunities and confidence building that will transfer well to an individual’s job.
Megan’s advice to new hires takes a humorous approach related to the sheer amount of people we have in the building! She promises you will learn names! Megan encourages individuals looking to apply to NW Works to go ahead and take the opportunity. Megan remarked that there is a stigma that surrounds the disability community, and many folks allow this perception to hold them back.
Megan is a full-time student, is gainfully employed, and has secured an internship to fulfill her graduation requirements. When Megan isn’t working or taking care of schoolwork, she enjoys spending time with her family in the area and going to local wineries. Megan enjoys plants and has a particular soft spot for house plants. Once Megan graduates, she anticipates having more free time and would love to travel.