When Grace Brooks goes to work, it feels full circle to her.
When she was in elementary school, she walked the halls of Carson Elementary — and now she’s back in that familiar space, this time as a substitute ortho aide.
“I like helping the kids,” Grace said with a smile. “I’m going to do it until I retire.”
A graduate of Newark Digital Academy, Grace, 19, started trying to find her professional path early.
With support from her Service Coordinator and Transition Specialist at the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, she connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and participated in several Summer Work Experiences at Bob Evans and Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries.
She also participated in the I-TEC program at C-TEC which gave her a variety of experiences — working at Star Wipers, Denison University, Golf Works and Game Table Adventures.
“It showed me what I might like and not like,” she said.
Her favorite part of I-TEC was helping out at a preschool in Pataskala. So once she graduated, she began looking for a job working with kids.
Things came together when Grace and her mother, Tricia Reed, attended the opening of Newark City Schools’ Little Learners Preschool at the former State Farm Building. They were excited to run into Carson Elementary School Principal Julie Elwell, who was principal for Grace’s last few years at Carson.
They started talking about Grace’s job search and Julie suggested that she apply to be a substitute ortho aide.
“She’s just got that really positive personality and smile and ‘can do’ attitude,” Julie said. “I wanted to give her a shot.”
Once she was hired, Grace found her niche at Carson and some of the other Newark elementary schools.
Known to the students as “Ms. Grace,” she helps out in their classrooms, helps them at lunch and plays with them in gym class. She has also helped during safety drills.
Her goal is to work at least once a week during the school year and she enjoys the flexibility in her schedule. But her favorite part is spending time with the students.
Not only does Grace bring her positive attitude to work, but she isn’t afraid to ask questions or get more information when she needs clarification. She clearly has had a great support system through her journey, Julie said.
“It’s helped her be as independent as possible,” she said.