Cheryl Batterman
Although it took us several months to find a replacement for Liz Mensing, we’ve finally hired another strong staff member!
Alyssa Bordeleau has a Bachelors in Social Work from Concordia University, with minors in Social Welfare and Justice Public Policy. She also completed Specialized Cultural and Diversity Training at the University of the Nations (Maui, HI). She has extensive experience working with senior adults through Home Instead Senior Care (caregiver), Woodside Manor Assisted Living (dietary aide), and Cedar Springs Health & Rehab Center (Social Work intern).
Alyssa is fluent in Spanish and loves to travel, as proven by her impressive and expansive travel log: Peru—Was a resident of Peru as an English Professor, studied Spanish at a Lima university, and took online classes from the United States for an entire school year; she’s also made multiple return visits. Nicaragua—Translated for a VOSH eye clinic and worked on a construction crew for a community development project/refugee camp for two weeks. Mexico—Has made multiple trips, working to develop impoverished communities, delivered basic resources to impoverished communities, and fundraised to give financial support to local programs. Philippines—Volunteered with a community development project, worked to combat social injustices with local schools, churches, and community leaders; she also taught English at an orphanage. Thailand—Raised funds to sustain a community development program established in three remote villages on the border (humanitarian trip). New Orleans—Volunteered for Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief by conducting “home visits” to members of the community (advocacy, counseling, and needs assessments).
Alyssa’s hobbies include art, photography, painting, music, and traveling. She also enjoys playing several sports: golfing, biking, hiking, softball, basketball, volleyball, and “anything outdoors.” Welcome!
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NESCO is extremely fortunate to be the hosting agency for our first Masters of Social Work student!
Porsia Vang is currently in her last year in graduate school at UW-Madison and is required to complete a 400-hour internship during the 2011-2012 academic school year. She selected NESCO for her internship due to our strong Case Management program but also our two Cultural Diversity programs (African American and Latino). Porsia is fluent in Hmong and “conversational” in Spanish—which she hopes to improve this year during her internship by working with our Spanish-speaking seniors.
Originally from Green Bay, she enjoys watching football (what a surprise!). She will work this semester on Mondays (8 am-2 pm), Wednesdays (8 am-4 pm), and Fridays (8 am-noon)—while also taking several graduate level classes! “I’m amazed with the numerous community resources for senior adults—I look forward to learning about them all during my year at NESCO,” Porsia said.
