Testimonials

Cristal VIEyra (RN)

Cristal was referred by SDSU SNA’S Membership director (also a former team member with Assistive Opportunities). She worked as an early morning caregiver while carrying a full course load at SDSU. She is now a trauma nurse at UCSD Medical Center.

As a nursing student, there was a small amount of hands-on time through “clinicals” and “externships;” none of that time was equivalent to the patient care, knowledge, and understanding I gained through the opportunity to work for Chris. Through the caregiver role, I became more confident with patient communication, assisting with activities of daily living, and performing medical skills only taught on a mannequin or read in a textbook. The most immeasurable skill I took away was how to advocate for patients, especially those with old or new spinal cord injuries. This experience helped shape the nurse I am today. Now precepting nursing students of my own, I will never forget the time one student stood out to me due to their comfortability with patient care.  The common factor… a fellow caregiver for Assistive Opportunities.

KASEY BETHEL (RN)

Kasey learned about the job at AO through her professor at SDSU who had heard about the job from past students. Kasey was an early morning caregiver and held the role as SNA’s communications officer and kept up her grades while working 8-12 hours a week. Kasey is now a Labor and Delivery nurse (her first choice) at Sharp.

I started working for Assistive Opportunities while in nursing school and it was my first official job in the medical field.  Working with Chris helped me to develop confidence in my ability to think critically, make decisions, prioritize tasks, manage my time, and practice independently.  The routine required attention to detail as well as practical skills needed for day to day bedside nursing positions.  These carried over into my clinicals and externships during nursing school, as well as my role now as a bedside RN.  I truly believe working as a caregiver at AO was the best way to begin my career as a medical professional.  Chris and Jean helped me develop into the nurse, and person, I am today and I am forever grateful for my time at Assistive Opportunities!

AllaN KWAN

Allan was a referral from a former classmate. He assisted in the office position while attending UC San Diego. Since graduating with a BS in Cognitive Science, Allan now works for a high-tech company specializing in User Experience.

My experience working with Chris as an office assistant provided me a great part-time job opportunity during my college years. I overall enjoyed my time working with Chris because it exposed me to the corporate working environment and served as a launching point into my current career. His attitude and perspective on life are inspiring and motivating, and I greatly valued the part-time job opportunity he gave me as a young student. I would highly recommend working with Chris in any capacity.

Allison Johnson (PA)

Allison had relocated to San Diego after graduating from UC Davis. She was looking for healthcare experience. Since graduating from Western University of Health Sciences, she is now employed as a Physician Assistant in Dermatology/Aesthetics, after being initially employed in Occupational Health.

I loved the people I worked for, good pay, the long term relationships developed in combination with shared experiences are what allowed me to stay the course onto my current career. I enjoyed meeting new people and having the opportunity to network. It was nice to have a concise routine every morning.

Laura wallace (PA)

Laura was a San Diego native that was looking for medical experience before applying to graduate school. She ultimately went on to study at Oregon Health & Science University and is currently practicing in Portland, OR as a Physician Assistant for Emergency Medicine.

I genuinely enjoyed spending time with Chris and Jean. They have a warm and welcoming home and it was a privilege to be a part of the daily routine of their evening life. I honestly cannot think of a single thing I disliked about the position, which is a testament to how much I valued them as both friends and employers.

Sara SHAFFER (RNP)

Sara was stationed in San Diego while serving as an active duty US Navy nurse. She found this job through classmates from Purdue University. Her career progressed with a Masters from San Diego State University and ultimately retired at the rank of Commander. Currently she is a Certified Nurse Midwife.

It was an incredibly enjoyable experience. It was personally rewarding and satisfying to know that I could in some small way help him out during that difficult first few years following his accident. Working for Chris never felt like a job. The most important lessons I have learned from Chris are to make everyday count, to look on the positive side of everything, to thank others who help us in our lives, and to be compassionate and kind to every person we meet. He is truly an amazing man, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work for him.

Manuel (PhD)

Manuel is a distinguished researcher for Scripps Research Institute and international professor at UABC. His front line perspective experience in Neuroscience working with quadriplegics has greatly fine tuned my daily morning routine as he is attuned to long term heath and wellness for quadriplegics.

I did not see it as a position, I saw it as an opportunity to talk and share things in common, and do some aerobic exercise. I learned that after unexpected events life continues and we must face it, nothing can not stop us unless we decide to do so, I learned that the term "disabled" is only a concept when we have the strength to succeed. It was a wonderful opportunity. to see how [Chris] plans his day, according to the weather, traffic, work schedule, family, planning in advance for the next few days.