Staff Spotlight: Claudia

Since joining GOSO as our Clinical Program Manager last year, Claudia has made a lasting impact on the young people we serve. She lives by a motto she learned from an old mentor, “see a need, fill a need,” and you can see it in how she shows up for participants and staff every day.

Many of our young people know what it feels like to be labeled or written off, so with National Bullying Prevention Month this October, we asked Claudia a few questions about her work. Her answers capture exactly why we do what we do

How do you help create a safe and supportive environment for participants?

I try to listen without judgment and be available. I tell participants when they join GOSO they get a Participant Success Manager, or PSM, who is their social worker, and then they get me as a Bonus PSM! I think safety often looks like predictability, so I never overpromise. If I say I’m going to do something, I follow through.

How do experiences of being excluded, targeted, or labeled show up in the lives of the young people you work with?

When someone is repeatedly told all they’ll ever be is something bad, they start to believe it about themselves. It’s my job to help our young people know that when they step into our building, they are surrounded by people who believe something different about them, that they are capable, incredible people worthy of every opportunity in front of them.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about the challenges young people face?

Many of our young people have experienced more trauma than many adults will in a lifetime, and yet they still show up and try their best every day. Whatever challenges they face, that’s only one small part of their story, not the sum total of who they are.

What is one thing you’ve seen a participant accomplish that reminded you why GOSO’s work matters?

We had a participant come to us while facing a court case. They were really angry and not interested in programming. We worked hard to earn their trust, and recently they told me they finally understand the purpose of therapy. They used to think talking to a stranger about their life was pointless, but now they see that having that space gives them new insight into their life. That made it all feel worth it!

What advice would you give to young people experiencing being judged or counted out?

It gets better, and I am living proof! As you get older you get to choose who you become and who you surround yourself with. You will find people who love you for who you are. Don’t let other people’s opinions shrink who you are meant to be!

“Being a member of the clinical team at GOSO means being relentless.” — Claudia