After working in this field for eight months, I’ve noticed that certain names come up in many different conversations.  One of those names is Carlos Nazarios.  Whether I’m in a family member’s home doing a Pre-Service Orientation or touring a facility, many people have spoken very highly about the life and character of Carlos.  I’ve both observed Carlos at work and had an opportunity to sit down and speak with Carlos about his work.  I, too, am one who speaks highly of his commitment and love for those with whom he works. 

Q: How long have you worked in this field?
A: 12 Years.  9+ years at the Mattingly Center.

Q:  What made you choose this field?
A:  Actually, I would say that this field chose me.  I was offered a job at a summer camp for children with disabilities, and found quickly that this work came very naturally to me. I had always enjoyed helping people and working with people, and this field seemed to be a good fit.

Q:  What do you enjoy most about your work?
A:  I get to come in everyday and be around people that are my friends...actually, they’re more like my family. I work with some of the most incredible people in the world.

Q:  What are the biggest challenge(s) you face in your job?
A:  The folks I work with often have so many needs and it’s frustrating when we can’t get them the services they need because of money. Also, I want everyone here to receive the best care possible, and at times its frustrating that I only have two hands and one heart.  I wish I could do more. I would like to spend more time one on one with participants.

Q:  How do you measure your success?
A:  I look at small steps taken over long periods of time,   such as when a person begins using his or her speech box more frequently. To illustrate, one participant here uses a facilitated communication device and points to letters. For months, I couldn't get her to do it. Finally, after about six months, she began spelling out words with me. Thinking about it now, I realize that it took time for me to earn her trust. Now, she has joined my group and she’s able to talk a lot. Why? Because she trusts me. And it is a real privilege to be trusted like that. Additionally, I find success in the moments that I can share a laugh or a smile with my friends. It feels good to be trusted and liked by people who I love.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
A:  I am involved in puppetry group and I love gardening.

The following are letters of appreciation from family members of participants at the Mattingly Center:

Carlos is the most kind and caring person we know. He shows a deep respect for our loved ones and that means so much to us. It is a characteristic not often seen when dealing with those who have a disability. He is sincere and thoughtful to everyone. It is well known that when we need help we would always have to hire someone. Not true with Carlos– He asks our young lady to go shopping with him and helps pick out gifts for his family. It was amazing how this act of kindness gives her much enjoyment and gives her self-esteem a huge boost. He always helping people out when he has free time. His delightful personality can brighten anyone’s day and he certainly does this for Kelly and all of us. We love him and feel as though he is one of the family. -George & Joy Knoop

Carlos was Stephen’s first Core Group Leader and made the introduction to the Mattingly Center a fun experience. Carlos has always demonstrated a very high degree of energetic devotion to MCCE and its participants, and we find that extremely heartening. Stephen now has three CDs thanks to Carlos’s enthusiasm. -Kathy Corvitt

When Chrissy first came to the Mattingly Center two years ago, Carlos made sure that Chrissy felt accepted and part of the group. He is genuinely caring and compassionate and wholeheartedly dedicates himself to the participants. I asked Chrissy what she would like to say about Carlos, and being a women of few words, she summed it up the best, when she said: “Carlos is cool” - Mary Kaye Steinmetz