Get to Know: Sue Robichaud (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our Q&A, Sue Robichaud reflects on the rewards of her work and the values that have guided her approach, what makes Nonotuck unique, the importance of thoughtful provider matches, and the key traits needed for the role. As she transitions into retirement, Sue looks forward to gardening, traveling, and staying connected through consulting.

What’s rewarding about your job?

When I go to a staff meeting and hear updates about how someone’s life has changed. When someone thrives in their new home, especially if there were struggles getting them there.

All the different people I’ve met—some relationships have lasted ten or fifteen years. Some people have been together for a long time.

Sometimes we’ll have a “Hail Mary” moment—when we’re having a really hard time finding a provider. One time, we had someone whose needs were very specific, and I think we interviewed a bunch of providers but just couldn’t find the right match. He had been in one or two provider homes, and we didn’t know what to do. I looked again, took a shot, and called someone. We started the transition, and I think he’s been there for five years now. That’s rewarding—when it finally all comes together.

What are your guiding philosophies in how you approach your job? 

I’m having a hard time differentiating between my life philosophy and my work philosophy. I try to live my life with kindness and compassion. I try to follow the adage of ‘ live and let live’. If someone says something I don’t agree with or I don’t understand, I try to not respond quickly or jump to conclusions. I try to be non-judgmental and open minded.  Of course, as a placement specialist there needs to be some level of judgment. We need to look at all aspects of the potential providers’ life, including their experience, values, personality structure in the environment. So, we are observing and judging. My philosophy could perhaps be summed up as one of inclusion and acceptance, and that this goes both ways. Everybody has the right to live in a home that is comfortable and peaceful and suits their needs.

What is the most important trait the job requires? 

I think work ethic is important. I try to be honest,  reliable , available and prompt. Communication is very important — the ability to share information with the rest of the team. The ability to ask questions, process the information and ask more questions. Attention to detail. The ability to figure out logistical issues and develop a transition plan.  The ability to prioritize and triage as necessary.

You mentioned Nonotuck’s values—what else makes Nonotuck unique?

Shared living {and Adult Family Care are} the only things we do. Most agencies I’m aware of, except one or two, also have group homes and day programs, which spreads them thinner. We focus entirely on {those two things}.

The quality of our staff, program directors, and care managers is also a big factor. Personally, the flexibility over the years has been huge. I’ve known George since I started, and he’s always been very accommodating, flexible, and supportive.

Everyone here balances work with some form of family life, and I think that’s respected. The wellness initiatives, like wellness hours, are also admirable.

What advice would you give to someone taking over your position?

I’ve been training the person who’s taking over part of my position for the last year.

The most important thing is not to force a match. We’re very careful about screening providers and making sure they’re a good fit. Occasionally, we have emergencies where we need to make a temporary match, but we always try to be thoughtful.

{As I said}, communication is also critical. I’m a firm believer in emails, to ensure information doesn’t fall through the cracks. Once a person moves in, my involvement is limited, so I always make sure program staff have all the pertinent information. I also communicate openly with DDS.

Finally, keep an open mind. Sometimes a provider may not seem perfect on the surface, but their values might align well. Other times, someone might seem like a perfect fit but turns out not to be. You have to be thoughtful.

What are your plans post-retirement?

I’m going to garden a lot, travel a little, and finally get my basement in order.

Our son and his wife just bought a house about 40 minutes away with a lot of land. They’re planning to have chickens and gardens, so I’ll probably spend a lot of time there.

We hope to visit national parks in the fall and spend winters in Guatemala. I have a friend in Antigua, and I told my husband yesterday, “We should get out of here next year, at least for February.”

I will also come back as a consultant—full circle. Just a few hours a week, meeting with the new placement specialists and attending staff meetings. That’s been my favorite thing—listening to what’s going on and offering historical insight.