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March 1 was Employee Appreciation Day! We're celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Nathan Silver, Positive Behavior Support Leader at Rivermont Schools Fredericksburg campus.   

What is your favorite thing about working here?  

My favorite thing about working at Rivermont is working for a company that I feel cares about their employees. I'm not sure anyone feels they get paid their worth, but I feel this company at least tries to research other places to compare and listen to the things staff say when asked what can be done better. It is important to feel important.  

What keeps you coming to work each day?  

The thing that keeps me coming to work every day is knowing the kids depend on the relationships they have with staff to be able to function in their day-to-day routine. 

How do you make an impact on student’s lives? 

I think I make an impact on the students' lives by being consistent. This is important for so many reasons when kids have had people lie to them, mistreat them, and abuse them. We provide the consistency they need for the time they are with us to help them believe there are people that will treat them with dignity and respect, and they don't owe anything in return.  

Last year, we rolled out our BetterTogether guiding principles. Which one of our values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)   

Supportive is the principle that resonates with me most. In my position here, most of my job is to be supportive to staff and students. I help support staff in making sure they have the training they need to be successful in their job, and I support the students when they are frustrated, having a hard time, need help with work, or provide systems that help them make better choices to get better consequences.  

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role? 

A day in the life as a Positive Behavior Support Leader (PBSL) can look very different at any moment. If staff are not present, I will float into rooms to make sure the classrooms are covered. If admin is out, I will cover their "on the floor" duties. If everyone is at work, I support room coverage, and provide ways to promote positive behaviors. 

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now? 

I started this journey a few years ago when I did daycare in my home for 10 years. I loved working with kids and watching them learn. I did therapeutic foster care during that time as well; it brought me joy to help others through rough times. I had a change in career after a life change and started mentoring sex offenders and kids with behavioral challenges. I did one on one mentoring in a private day school setting and found my new calling. I worked at the school for 10 years until they closed their doors. Then, I moved on to another facility very similar to the previous environment for 10 years until my time there had come to an end as well. The opportunity for me to work at Rivermont came, and I didn't hesitate to join. I love what I do, and I feel there is much more for me to do here! 

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role? 

I am very proud that someone saw enough in with what I do here to feel I earned the privilege to be featured and recognized on this platform.  

What is something about you that not many people know? 

I am a musician that plays all up and down the east coast with a gospel singing group, another thing I love to do.