NW Works in Profile: Daniel Wadler
Daniel (Danny) Wadler
Meet Danny! Danny hails from Maryland, where he previously worked as an Employment Specialist for six years. As a new resident of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, he was attracted to NW Works’ Employment Services after deciding to return to the employment field following a brief stint in residential care. Danny ultimately chose NW Works after speaking with CEO & President, Skip Philips, who shared the collaborative nature of our team and plans for continuous improvements to services for adults with disabilities in the Valley. Danny loves to innovate, problem solve, and make a difference, and he knew he would be able to perform all three with NW Works.
In Danny’s role as an Employment Specialist, he assists individuals in breaking down barriers to success. Many of these barriers are often self-imposed or require a mindset change for the employee, family, or business. As a job coach, being able to encourage individuals and remind them that they can successfully find and maintain employment is one of the things Danny is most proud of. Through his role, Danny is able to form meaningful connections with those he supports, built on rapport and trust developed over time.
Danny takes great pride in reminding individuals that although change can be daunting, they began the job search process because they do in fact want a change. By building trust, reinforcing strengths and abilities, and empowering those he supports, Danny helps individuals slow down and talk through their reservations about change to ultimately continue pursuing a job that will open doors.
With just over six months at NW Works, Danny has been pleasantly surprised by the warm and welcoming environment the organization provides to staff and team members alike. As a seasoned job coach, Danny has worked in many different environments, but to have colleagues who are excited to see you, and the feeling that by just showing up you are making a difference is a welcome change for him.
In Danny’s free time, his family is his greatest joy and he spends much of his time watching his 16-month-old daughter grow. Danny has a dog and cat at home, enjoys philosophy podcasts and literature, and has a personal goal of becoming a better reader to become a better writer. Danny remains connected to literature and his colleagues through the NW Works Book Club, which he joined in his first month at NW Works. He is also a regular entrant in short story contests, and while he hasn’t won any cash prizes yet, he has come fairly close!
If you, like Danny, are interested in working for a nonprofit committed to serving adults with disabilities, check out our open positions and apply today!