“Liz is a very quick learner and exhibits and exceptional work ethic.”
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth Gregorek, Community Residence Case Manager at Hedgerow House, as the recipient of the October Staff on the Rise recognition.
Julianne Thomas, Hedgerow House Program Director says, “Liz, who started at Hedgerow House in February 2023, came in very strong. She is a very quick learner and has become a vital member of the team within her first few months with the agency. Liz exhibits an exceptional work ethic by being on time, taking initiative, covering additional shifts when needed, and stepping up to help our team in any way that she can. We are delighted to have her as part of our Hedgerow House team.”
As a community residence case manager, Liz carries a case load of between 4 and 6 residents, with whom she has weekly individual sessions. “I discuss how addiction has impacted them and their lives. We discuss their goals – where they want to be as sober individuals. We review their recovery progress, including both successes and setbacks. And we work on their plan to transition into independent living once they leave Hedgerow House.”
“I like to encourage residents to do outdoor activities.”
“I also plan the Saturday recreation activities,” she continues. “I like to encourage residents to do outdoor activities because they spend a lot of time indoors while in treatment. I am a big believer in the benefits of being outside in the sunshine and its impact on an individual’s health and wellness. During the spring through the fall we go on nature walks, swimming, picnics, and other recreational activities such as pumpkin carving. Now that winter is approaching, we will plan things like bowling, and indoor miniature golf.” Additionally, Liz plans a wellness hour activity once a month that focuses on mindfulness, overall wellness including creating vision boards for the future, painting, and holiday themed activities.
Liz shares that she enjoys her work, “As a staff member at Hedgerow House, I get an opportunity to see people grow and develop in their recovery in their own unique way. Although, residents are required to follow the structure and rules of the house, they are given the opportunity to identify their own strengths and needs, develop their own recovery plan, and they get to learn that they are strong individuals.”
“I love that we are such a cohesive team.”
One of the things that Liz enjoys about working at Hedgerow House is the teamwork and the sense of comradery. “I came to Hedgerow House with human services experience, but recovery work is different than what I was used to, so I needed support at first. Everyone was so helpful and helped me get my feet on the ground. I love that we are such a cohesive team, and everyone shares their knowledge with each other. I also enjoy that I get to bring my dog to work!”
Liz who started working in the human services field doing direct support for people with disabilities. After a couple of years, also began working as a service coordinator in an apartment program for adults with psychiatric disabilities – teaching life skills geared towards independent living. While working on her associate degree in health and human services at Herkimer County Community College, she did an internship at New Choices Recovery Center and discovered she liked working in addiction services. “So, I changed my focus,” she shares, “When I started working on bachelor’s degree at SUNY Empire State, I choose addiction studies as my major. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s as well as earning my Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC – T) in the spring of 2024.”
“I want to take on more responsibilities at Hedgerow House.”
“I want to see where life takes me,” Liz responded when asked about career goals. “Once I obtain my bachelors and CASAC-T, I definitely want to take on more responsibilities in my role at Hedgerow House. I really enjoy working in a residential setting and I would like to stay in the addiction field. I am considering continuing my education to obtain a master’s degree in social work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
When asked about her stellar work ethic, Liz responded, “I grew up with family members who struggled with severe mental health and substance use challenges. This piqued my interested in human services. My mom works in health care, and she helps everyone in the family. I found myself following in her footsteps and falling into the caregiver role naturally. I feel very motivated to help people. I’ve seen what happens to people who don’t know how to reach out for help or when they do, are not listened to. I want to be in a position where I can give everyone a chance to be safe and stable in their lives.”
Liz lives in a farmhouse in a rural community with her boyfriend who she’s been with since she was 17 – her high school sweetheart. They have two cats and a dog that she enjoys playing with. She loves to draw, paint and attend hard rock concerts. “I have two older sisters and three nieces that l love playing with,” she shares. “My parents are local, so I visit them a lot and enjoy helping my dad cook and bake.”
The RISE administration appreciates all that Liz has done for the individuals we serve in the short time she has been with the agency. We look forward to watching her grow in her position at Hedgerow House and within the agency. She is empathetic, compassionate, and dedicated – all the qualities of a Staff on the RISE. Please join us in congratulating Liz as our October Staff on the Rise.