Nia Anderson, LLMSW

 

Tell us your role and how long you've worked at MI-DDI.

I am a Research Assistant at MI-DDI, working on a variety of projects throughout the institute. I started my journey with MI-DDI in 2016 as a peer mentor for MI-DDI's student organization, Students Sharing Success, and have been here ever since!

 

Is there anything or anyone who led you to work in this field?

Taking a chance led me to working in this field. Before working at MI-DDI, I had minimal experience working in the disability field. I saw a job posting on Career Services back in 2016 where I would be able to assist students with disabilities obtain their educational goals, which I believed would be great experience for my upcoming MSW program at the time. I am glad to have taken that chance because I love the work I do!

 

Tell us about your education and professional affiliations.

I received my BA in Psychology from WSU in 2017. After completing my undergrad degree, I went on to graduate school and obtained my MSW from WSU in 2020. I am also a MI-LEND fellow, having participated in the training program from 2018-2019. My professional affiliations include NASW and the Phi Alpha National Honor Society. 

 

What project(s), program(s), and/or research are you currently focused on?

I have been doing a lot of work with older caregivers of individuals with I/DD. I served as the Project Manager for a feasibility project that connected older caregivers to an easy-to-use platform that houses their loved one's care plan and other important documentation related to their care, while utilizing a peer-support model to assist caregivers with the platform.

 

What experiences have you learned an important lesson from?

Many of my experiences while at MI-DDI led me to the same lesson, which is to experience what you have learned. I had minimal experience working in the disability field before MI-DDI. At MI-DDI, I am often reading and working on research that focuses on certain aspects of the lives of individuals with I/DD. The projects at MI-DDI allow me to go into the community, interact and have a better understanding of this population.

 

What is your favorite part about working at MI-DDI?

I have many favorites when it comes to MI-DDI! I enjoy working with the group of folks that I work with, they are a very knowledgeable and helpful group! I also really enjoy the fact that the projects I work on are impactful on the lives of the population I serve. 

 

What is your superpower?

My superpower is my collaborative nature. I am often working with different types of people on various projects, each with their own way of doing things. Being able to work collaboratively with these different groups of people allows for a smooth working environment. 

 

What do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoying reading, watching Japanese anime, playing computer games such as the Sims, traveling and spending quality time with my family and friends.

 

Tell us about your most rewarding experience in the past year.

One of the my most rewarding experiences this year was passing the test needed to become a fully licensed social worker. Full licensure here I come!

 

Do you have a hidden talent, skill, or hobby? What is it?

I keep a dream journal. I often have very vivid and imaginative dreams, which I like to document in my journal. Along with the description of the dream, I'll draw a picture signifying a pivotal moment in the dream. Hopefully, I can turn them into books and movies one day!