Matt Ray
Vocational Counselor / Life Skills Trainer
Email: matthew.ray@thechoicegroup.com

What makes me get up and go to work in the morning is…
The fact that every day is different and brings new challenges.

The way I feel about the work I do is…
I have always worked in human services and this is the first job where I really feel like I am making a difference for people.

My proudest professional achievement is…
Receiving the Employee of the Year Award.

I consider the day a success if…
I am able to make someone smile.

The best insight I have gained from a client is…
Live life to the fullest and be happy for what you have, because you could lose it so easily.

The toughest challenge I have faced is…
Moving to England for three months and having to try to find a job and meet all new people and learning to drive on the left side of the road.

The most important thing on my desk right now is…
The CPR and First Aid Training Manual.

Profile
When Matt joined The Choice Group in 2006, he had been involved with persons with disabilities for most of his adult life. During his college coursework, he worked as a Counselor providing summer camp and respite care for children and adults with disabilities. Following his graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University, he completed an internship at a local psychiatric facility in the Recreation Therapy Department. He was certified in Therapeutic Recreation and worked at a home for people with severe disabilities as a Recreation Therapist. He has also worked at two psychiatric hospitals, including the Forensic Unit. Matt thoroughly enjoys his work and clients respond well to him. He serves on the Health and Safety Committee, and having obtained certification to teach Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), he manages and implements The Choice Group’s commitment to safeguarding the health of clients by training all direct service staff in CPR.

Education and Certification
Matt holds an Associate Degree from Richard Bland College and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Therapeutic Recreation from Virginia Commonwealth University. Matt is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.