Maddie Shackelton is a clear and concise communicator with a positive attitude. These qualities allow her to exude both confidence and kindness. This ease of being comes across the moment you start talking with her and lingers long after the conversation ends. This presence makes her an asset at her job at Horizon Health Services, where her personality and abilities have a welcoming and reassuring effect on prospective patients entering the clinic for the first time.
As a child, Maddie was diagnosed with dyslexia as well as a learning disability. She struggled with math and had difficulty concentrating during tests. She was also easily distracted and often overstimulated. Without the proper supports in place, this could have been detrimental to her future success. Due to receiving solid academic support such as one-on-one learning as well as additional time and care, Maddie overcame these obstacles—although it dissuaded her from a career in math. "Absolutely no math!" she remarks with a laugh.
Maddie continued to use the supports laid out in her IEP throughout high school. Sadly, during her early years as a high school student, many of her advisors discouraged the idea of her moving onto higher education. Luckily, one of her advisors, Beth Nassar, saw Maddie's potential and directed her to ACCES-VR. With their support Maddie was able to consider her options for college. While Maddie was a freshman, her older sister, who was a senior at the time, had toured several schools, which exposed her to various options. Just as her sister had, Maddie settled on SUNY Brockport.
At Brockport, Maddie began a study of criminal justice with the intent to parlay that interest into a career in the legal system. The court and legal field appealed to her because she wanted to help people overcome obstacles and move forward with their lives; therefore, family advocacy or some type of correctional counseling seemed like a solid match. Her experience at Brockport was a good one. She was impressed with the accessibility of the school and made many friends while she was there.
Unfortunately, during college ACCES-VR lost track of Maddie. Despite this lack of support, Maddie continued her success! She was named to the Dean's list and the Dean's list with honors multiple times at Brockport—which she accomplished while simultaneously working a job and completing an internship. After college Maddie was put in touch with Andrea Todaro and together they began searching for jobs. Maddie confesses to being nervous before that initial meeting. "I was just nervous about what to expect." She and Andrea met for coffee where her nerves were assuaged. "I adore Andrea!"
Andrea helped Maddie build her confidence and get organized. "My resume was terrible! No one batted an eye when I submitted it. It got buried amongst the other applicants." After Andrea helped her overhaul her resume Maddie began receiving the attention she wanted. She began applying to positions and would end up fielding interviews at six or seven different firms. The legal field posed a barrier, so they changed gears to mental health services.
Before her second interview with Horizon, Maddie worked with interview coach Andrea Samra to polish up her skills. Her advice proved invaluable as Maddie nailed the interview and was hired.
Maddie works as an administrative assistant at Horizon health services. She works the front desk and is responsible for all the tasks that entails. As well as the basics, she is in charge of helping patients schedule appointments and manage their prescriptions. Although she has only been working at Horizon for about a month so far, she is already becoming familiar with the ins and outs of counseling and has an interest in becoming qualified for that type of position.
Maddie has felt welcome at Horizon since day one. She has many great coworkers to interact with on a regular basis. Her bosses at the Tonawanda location, Julie Fonzi, and honorable mention to Rob House, have been nothing but helpful. Maddie works Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 4:30 and 7:30 to 1:30 on Fridays. She makes $15/hr., has access to a 401k, paid time off, and is given a mental health day every month—that the employees are encouraged to use. "When it comes to mental health, it's nice to know that someone cares."
Maddie hopes to stay at her current position for at least a year, or longer. She wants to build some experience and take the time to decide where she would like to go from here. The legal field is still Maddie's dream, yet she has seen other ways to fulfill her vocation of helping others. "I'm grateful to be able to look back at how far I've come. I'm thankful to Andrea for that!" "Andrea is a helpful tool to have, especially when you are facing uncertainty, and trying to find your independence for the first time."
— Martin Kilroy, Writer for Innovative Placements