December 22, 2021 By CDHD Congratulations to our CDHD student trainee graduates! This December has brought its fair share of holiday cheer, but three of our student trainees have a little something extra to celebrate. Ernesto Marquez Montes, Andrea Rosales and Morgan Flynn are now officially University of Idaho graduates! We completed a quick Q&A about their time at the CDHD and what’s next for these incredibly talented, young professionals … Congratulations, Ernesto Marquez Montes How long have you been at the CDHD? Ernesto: I have worked at the CDHD for four years. I started in November of 2018 and now I can hardly believe it has been so long. It's amazing how quickly time flies! What projects did you work on during your time with us? Ernesto: I worked on several projects throughout my time at CDHD. From November 2018 – May 2019 I worked with the Idaho Living Well Project. From May 2019 – August 2021 I worked on the artAbility Project. And since August 2021 to now, I have been working on Act Early Idaho. And, do you have a favorite memory of your time at the CDHD? Ernesto: It's difficult to have just one favorite memory from CDHD. I have had so many wonderful opportunities here that contributed to my growth! However, if I had to choose one, I would say it would be our end of year celebration this year. It was heartwarming to see the appreciation of our work as trainees here. It was also a great reminder that all of us here at CDHD are a part of a greater mission to increase inclusivity and equity around disability. This made me hopeful for the future and proud that I have had the opportunity to work alongside such skilled and motivated professionals. You’re graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. What’s next? What are your post-graduation plans? Ernesto: After graduation, I plan on continuing my education in pursuit of an MS in Genetic Counseling. I have applied for some graduate programs and remain optimistic that I will continue my education in the Fall of 2022. Until then, I will be continuing to work remotely for Act Early Idaho to continue building my professional skills and supporting this meaningful project however I can. Congratulations, Andrea Rosales How long have you worked at the CDHD and what projects did you work on during your time at the CDHD? Andrea: I started working at the CDHD in the spring of 2021. I had the privilege to work with the Idaho Living Well Project. Our team helped teach others the importance of self-advocacy, while also helping provide the tools necessary for people utilizing home and community-based services to protect and guide their own lives. That’s great! And do you have a favorite CDHD memory? Andrea: I'm going to miss student trainee meetings. I enjoyed getting to know other trainees and the projects they were working on. I also enjoyed learning about important topics centered around disability during these meetings. You’re graduating with Medical Sciences degree with a minor in pre-health professional studies. What’s next – what are your post-graduation plans? Andrea: After graduation I plan to attend optometry school. Once I have established myself in my future career, my vision is to have an optometry bus. I want to visit schools in rural and underserved communities to provide care to students. Congratulations, Morgan Flynn How long have you worked at the CDHD? Morgan: I have been at the CDHD for one year. During that time, what project(s) did you work on? Morgan: I worked on two projects during my time at CDHD. The first project was the Adaptive Movement Class. The second project was my COVID-19 research project. Both projects allowed me to implement what I’ve learned in university and share with the Moscow community. That’s awesome! And, do you have a favorite memory of working at the CDHD? Morgan: My favorite CDHD memory was my first in-person trainee seminar. During my first semester with CDHD, all our seminars were held via zoom. Getting to meet in-person and having face-to-face interactions was so much fun! You graduated with a degree in Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences. What’s next? Morgan: In Spring 2022, I will be attending the University of British Columbia to pursue a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science. Eventually I hope to apply to Physical Therapy school in Canada. My long-term ambition is to use my gained exercise science knowledge and apply it to create more physical activity opportunities for people with a disability. Thank you Ernesto, Andrea and Morgan! From all of us at the CDHD, congratulations on your amazing accomplishments. We are proud of you and wish you all the best as you move forward in your careers. We know you will all do great things!