Meet Ella, Short Breaks Supervisor
My name is Ella Bothamley and I am a Short Breaks Supervisor in the Short Breaks Team at The Treehouse.
The 3 words I would use to describe myself are patient, caring, and compassionate.
I started working for DA when I was 16, with no experience of working with children or special needs other than a family member who had just recently been diagnosed with ASD at the time.
My day looks so different, it’s always changing especially during school holidays where one day I could be at Laser Tag, and the next I’m running a sensory session at the Treehouse! My overall role throughout all sessions is to make sure the staff and children are comfortable, happy, and supported, and to help with any tricky situations.
My biggest challenge has been learning how to leave work at work and separating my work self and my home self. My life became very child centred when I started university studying Child and Youth Development, and I started working at an SEN school part time as well! It was a challenge overcoming that, but something that really helped me was talking about my day on the drive home, so that by the time I was back home, I could leave work behind and relax without it weighing on my mind.
Of all the amazing experiences I’ve had working with DA, the one that sticks out to me is after years of building a relationship with one of the young people, he started to reciprocate intensive interaction with me, and we were stood laughing with each other. It was such a rewarding moment, and it was so needed that day!
Speaking with the families we support has inspired me to change the way the system works, specifically regarding EHCP processes and getting families and children in need more support from the local authorities.
My advice for new starters is not to be afraid to look like an idiot! It sounds silly but the kids will engage with you more and you will have so much more fun if you get stuck in. We get to do so many exciting activities, with so many amazing people so really enjoy it!