“I’m a helper”: An Interview with Roni

Roni is a teacher with OT Circus’s new program, Arts Connections. She teaches Sing Along, which is one of our most popular classes, as well as Life Skills, which she co-teaches with Margaret. She is also the Program Assistant for Arts Connections. She does things like sending out class reminders and connecting with participants and their caregivers to make sure they have everything they need and to answer any questions. She even created a survey to get feedback about the program. Roni started as a volunteer in August, when Arts Connections was just getting started, and she became an employee in September. Many participants in our program know Roni from VSA/N 4th Arts Center, where she was the Direct Care Supervisor for several years until the day program shut down permanently due to COVID-19. “After working at VSA and all the day programs shut down, I didn’t do much aside from help my daughter at school and keep house,” Roni said. But after Arts Connections started up, she was eager to reconnect with former clients and to make new friends on Zoom. 

Roni has many interests and hobbies, like crocheting. “It keeps me busy, keeps my mind focused, and helps me relax,” she says. After she took a fashion design class, she became interested in sewing. She also loves to paint and collects bugs and curiosities. Her daughter, Stella, even gave her a dead lizard once! When asked whether she likes clowns, Roni said, “NO. They’re kind of a little creepy.” Her sister made her watch Killer Clowns From Outer Space as a kid, and she has been anti-clown ever since. As for TV shows, “Right now I’m really into Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist,” which features the cast breaking into song. Speaking of music, Roni loves music and singing. “I do not have a favorite musician, because I can’t narrow it down. I enjoy so many different kinds of music, but one type of music I don’t vibe with is reggae.”

Roni grew up in Albuquerque, where she lived with her mom, dad, step dad, three sisters and four step brothers. She now lives on the Westside of Albuquerque with her husband, Casey, and five year old daughter, Stella. They also have three cats: Ebony (14), a grumpy old lady, Cupcake (almost 2), who is very snuggly, and Bruce Wayne Willis (9 months), who has SO much energy. 

Roni’s favorite part of working with OT Circus and the Arts Connections Program is teaching and connecting with people. When asked what drew her to this line of work, she said, “I’m a helper.” We love Roni for the good support she gives participants during the pandemic and for her outgoing nature and compassion.