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This webinar offers a simple question-and-answer style discussion with a seasoned professional in employment services. Drawing from her expertise in working with transition youth, Aracely Fuentes focuses on her experiences in assisting young individuals with disabilities during their journey from high school to adulthood. This session explores her career path and openly addresses the obstacles she had to overcome on her journey. Aracely shares touching anecdotes that highlight the most rewarding parts of her job and gives advice on how to get creative when solving uniquely difficult problems.
Objectives
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand what it looks like to work with transition youth.
- Know the qualifications one might have to work with transition youth.
- Understand the skills involved in working with transition youth.
About the presenter:
Aracely Fuentes is a dedicated professional whose life's work has been shaped by her unwavering commitment to helping individuals with cognitive disabilities lead fulfilling lives. Born with a natural gift for empathy and a passion for making a difference, she embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from San Diego State University. Today, she continues to blaze a trail of success, making significant strides in the field of rehabilitation counseling while striving to achieve full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Aracely's educational journey began at San Diego State University, where she pursued her undergraduate studies in Social Work. Her unwavering dedication to her studies earned her a place in the prestigious graduate program in rehabilitation counseling at the same university. During her graduate studies, she honed her expertise in working with individuals with cognitive disabilities, setting the stage for her future endeavors.
Upon graduating with her master's degree, Aracely Fuentes embarked on her professional career with the Texas Workforce Commission. In her role as a transition counselor, she provided invaluable guidance to young adults with disabilities, helping them navigate the challenging transition from school to the workforce. Aracely's commitment to empowering these individuals to achieve their goals quickly became evident.
Aracely's career trajectory reached new heights when she joined the team at Texas Children's Hospital. As an education and training coordinator, she played a pivotal role in developing the hospital's transition team for the health plan. Her leadership and innovative thinking were instrumental in creating pathways for individuals with cognitive disabilities to access high-quality healthcare services.
One of Aracely's most significant accomplishments during her tenure at Texas Children's Hospital was her involvement in managing Project Search. This nationally recognized program provided young adults with cognitive disabilities the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience within the hospital, setting them on a path to self-sufficiency and independence. Aracely's dedication to Project Search was a testament to her belief in the potential of every individual, regardless of their abilities.
In addition to her work with Project Search, Aracely Fuentes was selected to participate in the pilot program for Disney Train the Trainer. Her involvement allowed her to bring Disney's renowned customer service and inclusion practices to Texas Children's Hospital, ensuring that every patient and family received the highest level of care and support.
Aracely Fuentes's journey from San Diego State University to her pivotal roles at the Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Children's Hospital is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Her compassion, dedication, and innovative spirit have transformed the landscape of rehabilitation counseling, opening doors of opportunity for countless individuals. As she continues her journey, Aracely's passion for empowerment and inclusion serves as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
