Blogs

March 7 was Employee Appreciation Day, but we’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Pamela Thomas, a Career Coach at our Rivermont Roanoke Southeast campus. 

What is your favorite thing about working here?  

Making a difference in the lives of our students, and I love my colleagues. 

What keeps you coming to work each day?  

The progress I see in the students and the teamwork from everyone involved in their success. 

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?  

I provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. I help with transitional, life and job readiness skills to prepare them for everyday life. 

Which one of our Better Together values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)  

Supportive resonates with me the most because I give support throughout the school. Whenever and wherever I’m needed, I try my best to help with the needs of the students as well as the staff 

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

My day involves working in various classrooms, focusing on developing transitional and job readiness skills with students. I take some students to the YMCA, where we work on janitorial skills. We also pick up lunches, prepare trays, and deliver them to the classrooms. I collaborate with outside agencies that provide services to our students, ensuring they have all the resources needed to support their new, ongoing, and specific goals. Additionally, we visit the grocery store to shop for ingredients to cook meals. Recently, I initiated the SE Barks Mobile Café, where we prepare and serve coffee, tea, and other beverages every Friday. 

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

I began my career as a Senior Juvenile Correctional Officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for 16 years, where I developed a passion for helping young people. Unfortunately, in 2010, state budget cuts led to the closure of the facility where I worked. However, a colleague who had transitioned to a Vice Principal role at Rivermont School reached out to me about an opportunity. This led me to start as a Mental Health Counselor in a newly established program for preschool students with Autism. Over time, the program grew, and we now have 10 classrooms. I am currently in my third year as a Career Coach. 

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

My proudest moment is watching students graduate and go on to lead successful lives. 

What is something about you that not many people know?   

One thing that not many people know about me is that I am an ordained elder, and I had the privilege of officiating my first wedding for a Rivermont staff member. Additionally, I developed a passion for fitness and recently earned my Personal Training certification, as well as my Online Group Training certification.