Q & A with Melody Kraus – Career Counselor for OPI Living Programs
In an interview earlier this month, we sat down with Melody Kraus, valued member of our Department of Career and Volunteer Services for OPI Living Programs including the Optimum Performance Institute, specialized OPI Intensive for BPD and our Intensive Outpatient Program to discuss a few topics around her work.
Q: Melody, what have you learned from the participants you’ve worked with?
A: I have learned that balance is important in your life as you strive to reach your goals.
Q: How have you motivated, inspired and supported our participants?
A: I work with participants by identifying their areas of interest and assisting them towards giving back to the community by way of volunteering. In assisting to motivate participants whose goal is to search for a job, I use success stories from past participants as a way to motivate those that are beginning their job search. It is both rewarding for the participant and also to me to help them identify a maybe previously unknown passion. Hearing the participant’s say that they felt like they have made a difference is also rewarding.
Q: Have you been inspired by our participants?
A: Yes, watching participants engage in activities that are fun, healthy and relaxing has motivated me to take time in my life for self-care.
Q: What changes have you seen in participants?
A: I have seen participants who previously were unsure of themselves participate in volunteering, which has helped them build confidence to apply for paid jobs. Also watching a participant, who previously had difficulties with keeping commitments, then be able to hold a commitment for an extended period of time, is a great change that helps build their resume and self-esteem.
Q: In regards to the use and of concepts of toolboxes within the Department of Career and Volunteer Services, what will the participants gain?
A: Participants will build a career-oriented toolbox that will help prepare them for their current and future job searches. We facilitate a career workshop, cover all aspects of career counseling, and assist participants with finding volunteering assignments, internships and employment opportunities. We also introduce them to monthly community service events with various organizations to let them experience a variety of activities.