Meet Stephany!

Garth came to Stephany’s life in the perfect moment, she didn’t know he was the missing piece of the puzzle. Stephany came to Fox Valley Literacy in 2018 with an Occupational Therapy degree from Venezuela. She was paired with Garth, a retired teacher, for tutoring. “I had no idea where to start. Before coming to the organization, I attempted many times to go to the college and tried to transfer my credits from Venezuela, but I didn’t have any luck”. Garth started tutoring Stephany around the same time she was trying to get into college, and he was able to help her transfer the credits and start her career right away. “Since day one, Garth has guided me and became my mentor.” 

Over time, Stephany and Garth became friends, and Garth guided Stephany in every step of her journey. The process wasn’t always easy. In addition to practicing her career in a foreign language, Stephany also had to complete numerous lessons she already knew again and understand new healthcare regulations that weren’t in place in Venezuela. “I studied occupational therapy in Venezuela for four years already, and doing it again from zero and in a new language was definitely a challenge.” Garth was more than a tutor for Stephany. He was the person who she went to everytime she needed to review what she had learned, understand the material better, and of course practice her English. 

Stephany graduated from Fox Valley Technical College in May of 2022, and she recently accepted a position at Bellin Health as a COTA certified occupational therapy assistant. “I did it. I was able to learn another language, get my degree, pass my internships, and have a job doing what I am passionate about.” Stephany shares that Garth has been an indispensable person in her life, “He helped me face my fears, break down barriers, and take on new roles in the community.” Fox Valley Literacy was the seed that helped this beautiful friendship blossom; a friendship that will last a lifetime. Garth has a phrase that he tells Stephany in good and bad moments that has helped her believe in herself and keep pushing forward: “You got this. You know more than you think.” – and you did it, Stephany! Congratulations!