Testimonials
Melissa AnDREW, PA
As a science student at UCSD, Melissa started working for Chris as an office assistant since we had no open shifts at the time. She was able to jump into a morning caregiver. Our current employees will recognize Melissa leading the training video on range of motion stretches.
I spent 3 great years working with Chris. Working as a caregiver for him has not only been an invaluable experience in itself but played a crucial role in my acceptance to PA school. The hands-on clinical experience and the insights gained from working closely with Chris demonstrated my dedication to patient care and showcased my ability to handle complex medical situations with compassion and competence. This experience not only shaped my clinical knowledge but also gave me a unique perspective on patient interaction, which I continue to carry with me in my career as an orthopedic spine PA in San Diego.
Stephanie Ventrella Garbaczewski, PA
Coincidentally Stephanie met her soon-to-be Stanford roommate while working for Chris and training her on her first shift as a nighttime caregiver. Stephanie worked as an ER PA for several years at Tri-City Medical Center before transitioning into dermatology and recently opened NIKS Medical Skin Spa in Del Mar, CA with her business partner who also worked for AO and is now a Dermatology PA. Stephanie’s bachelors degree is from SDSU’s School of Public Health.
Working for Chris, was not just a job for me— it was a transformative experience that laid the foundation for my career in the medical field. Every day brought new learnings and opportunities for growth. I gained a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of quadriplegia and how the nervous system responds to external factors, which has proven invaluable in navigating diverse patient cases while working in the ER. It has served me well even after over a decade of practice as a physician assistant. It added depth and insight to my professional journey that I never could have attained through textbooks alone. Even now, I find myself smiling when a unique insight surfaces in my daily work, recalling how those invaluable lessons at the start of my journey to becoming a PA.
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.
Jasmine PACAL
Jasmine found her opportunity on the Port Triton website while attending UC San Diego. She is now a director for a marketing and advertising company.
Working with Chris allowed me to gain and practice skills that translate well into any professional working environment, from time management and communication, and even just demeanor. What was most valuable to me was the opportunity to work with a broad range of people in different environments - home and office.
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 an SDSU Public Health student who 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 SANCHEZ, 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.
