April is Occupational Therapy Month
In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month, we are delighted to welcome and get to know Darven Francois, one of our newest occupational therapists in our Article 16 clinic. He is Rockland County born and raised and is proud to share a glimpse into his life and work.
“Jawonio is a special place providing quality services to those who really need it.”
Darven Francois, OT
DH: Hi Darven, and welcome to the Jawonio Family! Tell us a bit about your upbringing, where you grew up, your family background and school?
DF: I am originally from Chestnut Ridge in Rockland County and moved to the Town of Stony Point 3 Years ago. My parents are Jackson Francois and Darlene Coby. Both immigrants from Haiti that wanted to come to the US and provide their children with the best opportunities for success. My siblings are: from oldest to youngest include Evens, Darley, Regine, Denzel and me (Fraternal Twin brothers).
Following high school, I attended Dominican College (now University) in Blauvelt, NY where I received both my B.S. in Social Science and my M.S. in Occupational Therapy.
DH: Following your post-graduate work, where did you go from there?
DF: I spent my first year working full time at Friedwald Rehab Center and my second year as a travelling Occupational Therapist which took me from Connecticut to Albany, NY, and most recently Washington, DC. I took a break from traveling and came back to Rockland County in January of 2024. And now, I am in my third year as an Occupational Therapist working in the Article 16 Clinic at Jawonio.
DH: For those who don’t know, what type of care and services does an OT provide?
DF: First, let me share what an OT is – I am a healthcare professional that provides person-centered care to individuals with special needs, injuries/illnesses, and various other impairments that hinder their ability to perform meaningful tasks of choice also known as occupations.
DH: What drew you to the profession?
DF: I wanted to become an OT because I felt like OT had the best combination of science and psychology. These were my favorite subjects to study and in my opinion, I felt like OT was the best of both worlds and I naturally gravitated to the profession. Currently, I also belong to a wonderful professional organization called Black In Rehab for occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and students. My mentor has been Nancy Yamoah, OTR/L who is a business consultant and she educates and empowers clinicians like me.
DH: Why did you choose the special needs population?
DF: I wanted to work with individuals with special needs to diversify my skill set and help those who really need it. I love working in our Article 16 Clinic. I feel the gratitude and genuine appreciation from our individuals for the OT services they receive.
DH: What has been the most rewarding part of your work at our Article 16 clinic so far?
DF: I love seeing the smiles on the faces of all the individuals I’ve been able to work with so far. Their excitement is fantastic and I look forward to helping as many people as I can.
DH: Switching gears for a moment, what would you say was your biggest obstacle in your life that you have overcome?
DF: I would say it was my father’s passing right before my graduation at Dominican. He always instilled the values of hard work, being a good person and that education was key. It was really hard for me not to have him there, but I know he would be proud of me now.
DH: What is your favorite activity to do outside of work?
DF: I love to travel. I have been to Columbia, Cabo, Cancun, Jamaica, Canada, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico and this summer I will be headed to Aruba.
DH: Finally, what would you say to people who were interested in working here at Jawonio?
DF: I would say without a doubt it’s about the culture. The culture here at Jawonio amplifies inclusion, kindness, individuality, and equality for all persons regardless of their ethnicity, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs. Jawonio is a special place providing quality services to those who really need it.
Thank you Darven for sharing your passion with us!
DH: Jamila, thank you for the opportunity to have our Jawonio Community get to know you better. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself, where you grew up, share some of your background and current family updates.
JGA: Thank you, as well, for this opportunity. I grew up in the Bronx. My father and mother have been happily married for 35 years. I have 3 siblings and a very big close-knit extended family. I got married during the pandemic, and my husband and I are expecting our first child in June.
DH: Congratulations! And switching gears for a moment, back in the day, you were considering careers as a teacher, nurse and doctor. Did you have people in your life who were role models in those professions?
JGA: Yes. My dad is a teacher by profession and my mom was a registered nurse. They are both retired now. We have a plethora of teachers and nurses in our family. My parents are also the founders and pastors of Agape Love Christian Center in the Bronx. They pastored while still working full-time in their professions. Agape is the Greek word for “unconditional love” and my siblings, and I, certainly felt that at home and at church.
DH: Let's move on to the importance of leadership. How did your early experiences inform you to become a servant leader?
JGA: I think the best way for our Jawonio community, and others, to know what informed me as a servant leader is through what I saw at home with my parents and in church. I saw my parents taking in people in need, including our friends. I also saw them feeding and caring for people who were homeless. I have always seen my parents serve and exemplify our strong faith. Service to others whether it is through ministry, or the community has always been my passion.
DH: Now, we turn to your Jawonio career. Tell us about your current responsibilities and career path as part of the Community Employment Services Team?
JGA: Throughout my 10-year career here at Jawonio, I have primarily focused on our employment (SEMP) and our Employment Training Program (ETP). My role allows me to expand my own leadership skills and expertise into a person-centered service delivery model which I am proud to say has been recognized by OPWDD (The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities)a as a potential blueprint for replication statewide.
DH: Those roles in changing people’s lives through learning, skill building and work – are so rewarding! You also have tremendous expertise in another specialty area, tell us about that?
JGA: Yes, I am the Pragmatic Language Communication Coaching Support Specialist for Jawonio. This part of my job is also incredibly rewarding. I work with individuals with autism in supporting them to develop crucial social skills. I am truly inspired by who they are and working to inspire them to reach their highest potential. Thanks to our 2022 Jawonio Autism Resource and Training Center (ARTC) initiative, my presentation on Pragmatic Language Communication continues to be a teaching tool on our Jawonio YOUTUBE channel. I look forward to the relaunch of our ARTC this year.
DH: Another opportunity to learn has come through your selection into the Non-Profit Westchester Emerging Leaders. Tell us why you wanted to be part of this community program?
JGA: My interest in the NPW Emerging Leaders Program is rooted in my desire to learn and grow as an individual and a leader. I believe the program will provide me with an amazing opportunity to connect with others who are on a similar path.
DH: What does leadership mean to you?
JGA: For me, leadership is a multifaceted team endeavor that requires attention to learning, adjusting, and emerging into a strong leader. I prioritize creating a safe space where I listen and understand my team members to make sure they are heard and empowered to share their own goals and vision with me.
DH: While building your knowledge through this Emerging Leaders program, what are you most excited about?
JGA: I am eager to collaborate with others who are not afraid of creating change, serving our communities, and changing the world. I am looking forward to using my strengths and empowering others to do the same. Even more so, I believe working closely with other emerging leaders, together, we must strive to make the world around us a better place, one step at a time.
Thank you Jamila Grampus-Astwood for using your gifts & talent in service to others. As Ghandi says,
“Be the Change You Wish to See in the World”.
SO MUCH GOOD HAPPENS HERE.
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