When para Matt Woywod graduated from Kansas State University, working at a high school was not necessarily what he envisioned doing.

“I majored in family studies and human development,” Woywod said. “I have another degree in gerontology, which is the study of aging and older adults.”

Woywod chose to work at Mill Valley because there were several openings for paras and it is close to where he is from. He also thought it would be a good opportunity.

“I really enjoyed working with older adults with Alzhiemer’s Disease and dementia and there is an interconnectedness between intellectual disabilities and the development of dementia and Alzhiemer’s later in life,” Woywod said.

Woywod thinks that Mill Valley is a positive environment to work in.

“I love it here,” Woywod said. “I didn’t realize how big it is, but everyone seems super friendly. The staff is awesome and all the students smile and say hello.”

Woywod also believes there are many positive aspects to being a para.

“Being able to provide a service is one of my favorite parts about my job,” Woywod said. “I also like being able to see the progress that is being made and being able to let my inner child shine.”