Welcome back to the “Getting to know the Anthesis Board” series, we continue to highlight the dedicated volunteers who lead Anthesis in its mission to support independent and inclusive lives for adults with [dis]abilities through employment and community integration. This post features Board Member, Andrea Bidart-Oteiza.
Q: How did you first learn about Anthesis? How long have you been with Anthesis?
A: I have been with Anthesis for 4 years. I have a relative who attended the program many years ago, so have always known about Anthesis(previously Pomona Valley Workshop). Executive Director, Mitch Gariador encouraged me to join the board, and I am so very happy that I did.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Anthesis Board?
A: I decided to join the Board due to the apparent need. I was willing to help wherever Anthesis needed support, and the greatest need at that time was to join the Board.
Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Anthesis?
A: I love to be able to give back. When I was in high school, my French class was next door to the Special Day Class and I became friends with most of the kids in the class. My friends and clicked with them and we would joke around together during passing periods. They clearly loved the attention and would reciprocate because a few of them would consistently attend my basketball games with huge signs cheering me on. That really touched me and I was determined to work in the field of special education and do my part in advocating for those in need.
Q: What is your current occupation (or what position did you retire from)?
A: I am the Coordinator for Special Education for an elementary school district in South El Monte. I have been there since 2002 in various capacities from Special Education Teacher, to School Psychologist and now as Coordinator of Special Education.
Q: Favorite accomplishment?
A: Being a mother to my 14-year-old son is my favorite accomplishment. Watching him learn and grow has been so amazing.
Q: How do you prefer to spend your free time?
A: I love to sing in Basque any chance I get. I am part of the group NOKA and we have been together for over 25 years, having created four albums. I have also collaborated with various artists in the Basque Country and most recently made a CD with my father, highlighting traditional songs I learned as a child with my father and grandfather around the dinner table.
Q: Where did you grow-up? What makes it unique? Where is home now?
A: I was born and raised in Chino and am a 3rd generation “Chinoan”. I currently live across the street from where I grew up.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself?
A: I speak Basque, the language of my ancestors, and language spoken by under one million people worldwide. We have also passed this on to our son.
Q: What skills/expertise do you bring to the Anthesis Board?
A: Having been involved in the field of special education for so many years, I feel that I have the ability to advocate for those individuals who may not be able to do so. This gives me immense pleasure.
Q: What is something you wish the public knew about the participants that Anthesis serves?
A: I wish people would know just how much joy and happiness it brings to our participants to be able to go to work every day, to feel appreciated and most importantly be “included”. Their needs are the same as everyone else’s, in the end.
Stay tuned for our next post of “Getting to know the Anthesis board” to meet members of the Anthesis Board of Directors! If interested in getting caught up on the series, please click on the link below to read our last interview from Board Member, Hilma Thomas.