February 2024 Special Needs Living

QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION With KELLY WITT

Divisional Director of Stark and Tuscarawas Counties at Creative Rehab

Q. Where do you work currently?

A. Creative Rehab

Q. What is your job title?

A. Divisional Director of Stark and Tuscarawas Counties

Q. How long have you been employed with your current job?

A. I have been employed with Creative Rehab for 17 years with the last 5 years as Divisional Director.

Q. How long have you been employed in this industry?

A. 17 years, Creative Rehab was my first experience working in the vocational rehab industry.

Q. What is your Educational background?

A. Honors Bachelors degree in Psychology from Kent State University

Q. What other professional associations are you a member of?

A. I am a volunteer youth teacher for our Parish School of Religion at Christ the Servant Parish in Canton, OH.

Q. What do your day-today job responsibilities include?

A. Every day is very different! My job duties include a variety of functions. I am responsible for conducting our new client intake meetings and setting up community work experiences. Part of my time is working with local schools to engage students in our PreEmployment Transition service and coordinating for our summer youth work program. I oversee my staff and all of the services we provide in my two counties. And of course, there is report writing.

Q. What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

A. Throughout high school and into early college, I struggled with anxiety and started having panic attacks. My mental health started to decline and I found myself becoming more interested in how to help others with the same problems. I knew that I always had an interest in psychology, but began opening up my options for a career move to other services that can provide support to individuals.

Q. What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A. When I see a client begin to have confidence in themselves and overcome particular challenges, it reminds me why I do this job.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

A, Be patient with yourself. Sometimes helping someone achieve their goal takes time, especially if it is to be the right fit.

Q. If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

A. Meet everyone where they are. Take time to listen to the whys and the path that has led them to that moment in time. We learn so much by just listening.

Q. Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job and why?

A. Most days I do feel like I’m making a difference, even if it’s just to listen and bring hope to someone who has just begun to deal with a new medical situation or diagnosis. On other days, it’s the tedious parts of any job to keep everything running smoothly. But even on those days, I feel that God has put me where I am supposed to be and that is enough for me.

Q. What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

A. Start exploring options at an early age. There are so many different programs out there and it is very hard to navigate the terminology. That is what we are here to help with.

Q. Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

A. Vocational Rehabilitation will always be needed in the community. I can only hope that connections with local employers will continue to grow and flourish as the information is put out there.

Q. What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A. Having a supportive team at Creative Rehab has made a huge difference for me. I know that I have caring individuals who have my best interests at heart. They are there to listen and provide advice. I could not do my job without them.

Q. What is your favorite non-profit organization or volunteer opportunity?

A. Catholic Charities does so much good in the community. The services they offer cover such a large scope that most people do not even realize. They bring hope to those in need.