(Posted 2025 March)
Meet Jodi!
For the past 14 years, I've had the privilege of working in Fairfax County as a Social Services Specialist II and Regional Volunteer Coordinator with Volunteer Solutions. During this time, I've been part of a wonderful team that matches volunteers with meaningful opportunities to help older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in the Fairfax area.
As a Regional Volunteer Coordinator, I work in the eastern part of Fairfax County, which includes areas like McLean, Annandale, Falls Church, parts of Alexandria, and Great Falls. My job is to find the right volunteers to help clients with tasks such as grocery shopping, running errands, and providing companionship. Essentially, I'm a matchmaker, connecting people who need assistance with those who want to help.
I discovered my passion for social work 20 years ago. I appreciated how social work focuses on the person within their environment and offers versatile career opportunities. I earned my master's in social work (MSW) from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 2005, and I hold clinical social work licenses in both D.C. and Virginia.
There are so many rewards in my position and I find it hard to choose just one. I love helping older adults maintain their independence and dignity. I feel honored to learn from my clients and be a small part of their journeys. Advocating for and listening to people who are often overlooked is an amazing privilege for me. I value letting clients know that their lives matter and that they deserve to be heard and valued. I also have great affection for my Volunteer Solutions team and enjoy working with them every day.
Before joining Fairfax County, I worked in long-term care. In 2010, I saw a job announcement for a volunteer coordinator position working with older adults. It seemed like a perfect fit, offering plenty of contact with the community without the full responsibilities of case management. I applied and was thrilled when the Department of Family Services (DFS) took a chance on me. I encourage anyone with a passion for service and compassion for others to consider working at DFS, highlighting the supportive environment and dedication to equity.
Outside of work, I enjoy solitude and quiet reflection, which can be hard to find as a mother. I love spending time with my 10-year-old son Jonathan, my husband Roberto, and my friends. I am a theater enthusiast, enjoying everything from Broadway musicals to one-person plays. Reading books and binge-watching shows are also some of my favorite activities. Additionally, I love nature and animals, especially manatees, sheep, and cats.
An interesting fact about me is that I am an identical twin. My sister Jennifer lives and works in the Harrisburg, PA area at a personal care home for adults with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. Both of us share similar interests and both of us were called to work with people. Another fun fact: I did theater in high school and college, making my stage debut as Charles, the drunken, inept butler in a 10th-grade performance of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.