The Caring Force is honored to announce Laquinta Bryan as our TCF December 2025 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Bryan has worked at Communities for People for 11 years, and has served as a Residential Staff Supervisor, an Independent Living Outreach worker, and was recently promoted to Young Adult Supported Living Community Site Coordinator.
Bryan with Communities for People at the Caring Force State House Rally!
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I decided to pursue a career in human services after working as a Pharmacy Technician in outpatient care and then in inpatient care for several years. I realized I needed a change, and decided to enroll in a training program called The HELP Program through Morgan Memorial Goodwill, located in Boston, MA. This training gave me the knowledge and skills to get an entry-level position as a direct care counselor for my first and still current employer, Communities for People, back in 2014.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in several positions after joining as a direct care counselor, such as, shift supervisor at one of our residential programs, outreach worker in our Independent Living program, and now currently as program coordinator at one of our Dorm Programs in Boston.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization? 
A typical day for me at my organization involves coordinating services, resources, and supports for our youth, and collaborating with various teams around Massachusetts and Rhode Island that provide resources to our youth as well.
This can range from supporting our program’s daily activities, advocating and assisting youth with individual planning, such as for school or work, accompanying youth to appointments, or even attending neighborhood events to show support to our community affiliates and partners. Each day is different and can be an adventure.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
Bryan during Holiday Contest 2018
Hmmm that’s a tough one! There are so many great memories working here at Communities for People that it’s really hard to choose just one.
Over the summer this year, we attended a college fair event in Marlborough MA, and then took our youth out to APEX entertainment center. It was fantastic—we did race car driving, laser-tag, and walked around the outlet malls. Afterward, everyone reported having a great time.
Some other great memories of mine involve our annual Holiday Contest—we can get very competitive between the program sites! We also have a Staff Day with the same sentiment of competition, but also includes a celebration of a year’s worth of hard work.
4. This question is from our November Workforce Hero, Maribel Van Corbach: What advice would you offer to new professionals in the field of human services?
Having the right tools in your professional toolbox is necessary, and if I could share what makes an equipped toolbox, I’d say to have compassion for the work, constructive and productive supervision, year-round training, and last but certainly not least, team building and collaborative networking throughout your organization.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
How do you manage burnout and fatigue, as this field can be taxing on one’s mental health?
Thank you so much to Laquinta and all of our wonderful human service workers across the Commonwealth who bring joy, positivity and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for you and your efforts to make Massachusetts a better place.
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