In our Staff Spotlight Series, we catch up with the talented, dedicated, and compassionate individuals who help make everything our organization does possible. This month we’re featuring Anjaly Connors, who began an internship with CH/LSS last August. She is currently completing her studies at Winona State University in Social Work. As an adoptee, Anjaly brings a special perspective to her work with CH/LSS, and says, “I always knew I wanted to have a job where I made an impact on people. As an adoptee, I was drawn to helping children who share a similar experience to the one I had growing up.” Read more about Anjaly’s work and life below!
What are some of the projects you are currently working on?
I have been working on projects in different areas of adoption, including international adoption, foster care adoption, and infant adoption. I helped plan the upcoming Connect2Connect event, and have been working with my supervisor on a special project with Post Adoption Services. I am also organizing files for infant adoption services and doing Foster Care referrals. I have helped with childcare at the Saturday groups for parents, and I may help with the LGBTQ+ caregiver support groups in the future.
What drew you to the field of social work? What are some of the greatest challenges, and some of the greatest rewards you have discovered as you’ve begun working in the field?
I always knew I wanted to have a job where I made an impact on people. As an adoptee, I was drawn to helping children who share a similar experience to the one I had growing up. A challenge I’ve faced during my internship so far is learning how to deal with cases that involve a lot of trauma. However, I think that one of the greatest rewards in this field is seeing the impact our work has on youth and families.
Do you have a personal connection to adoption?
I was adopted from India when I was 4 years old through Children’s Home Society. I have two siblings who were also adopted from India, one of them being my biological sister. I am close with my siblings and I’m glad that I had people to relate to growing up.
Switching gears to life outside of work – what does an ideal weekend look like for you?
An ideal weekend for me would be relaxing and hanging out with friends/family. I enjoy golfing in the Summer and downhill skiing in the Winter. I am very adventurous and love to travel and explore new places.
If you could travel anywhere in the world in the next year, where would you go and what would you do?
That is a tough question because there are so many places I want to travel to! I would like to go to Europe at some point in my life, specifically London, Italy, and France.
What is something that always brings a smile to your face?
Something that always brings a smile to my face are my three cats. They are so cute, lovable, and never fail to make me laugh.
