Pat Ryan Embarks On New Adventure

To my friends and colleagues,

I'm writing to let you know that this Friday, March 16th, was my last day at Wediko; I am moving on, and my next adventure will be in the restaurant world!

Leaving an organization that has been such a huge part of my life will be a big change. As many of you know, I began my career at Wediko 15 years ago as a residential counselor in the Wediko Summer Program. Wediko and my Wediko family have shaped my passion for working with children and families, challenged me both personally and professionally, given me enormous opportunities, and connected me with amazing people (you).

As I think about my time at Wediko, the children and families we have worked with, the changes Wediko has made, and the ways I have grown personally and professionally, I realize there are a lot of people who deserve a THANK YOU.

THANK YOU to the Wediko Admissions & Marketing Team, who will be stepping up and taking on more responsibilities. Katie Walsh is continuing as the Associate Director of Admissions & Marketing, and will be taking a more active role in keeping Educational Consultants up-to-date with the happenings at Wediko. We are excited to welcome Heather Wildman and Jessica Luddy to the Wediko School intake team: they will be working closely with Katie, Harry Parad (Executive Director), and Kim Guest (Clinical Director) in Admissions. It feels good to know I am leaving Admissions & Marketing in good hands and that they will continue to provide the service, support, and care you have come to expect from Wediko.

THANK YOU to all the Friends of Wediko (you). Through your feedback, support, ideas, and your shared commitment to working with children and families, Wediko continues to grow and is stronger than ever. I have enjoyed working with you, learning from you, and getting to know you. Just as supporting a family is a team effort, Wediko's growth has been a team effort. Thank you for helping me grow and helping Wediko do a better job serving children and families.

THANK YOU to my Wediko Family; from my first Summer, Wediko has been part of me. The HOPE and confidence to facilitate change; the CARE taken with children, families, and staff; the QUALITY of the work; and the commitment to SUCCESS. How can you not want to be part of that team? My Wediko family has helped me develop into the professional that I am today. I cannot thank them enough for their support, the opportunities, endless trainings, and openness to trying new things. I will always be part of the Wediko family, but I will certainly miss the fun of being directly in the mix.

THANK YOU to my parents, family, and friends who have supported my work at Wediko even when it meant missing family time and for supporting me as I embark upon my next adventure.

THANK YOU most importantly to the children and families, the reason we do this work. Their commitment to make things better, to work hard, take chances, and their courage to share their struggles has time and again challenged me to learn, grow, and do a better job. (I have even learned to share a bit myself.) Thank you for setting a high bar and showing me what commitment to change really is. I will continue to learn from the examples you have set.

Moving forward, I can be reached at pat.ryan@gmail.com. Or, if you find yourself in the Washington, DC area, come visit me at Scion Restaurant, 2100 P St. SW, Washington, DC. (www.scionrestaurant.com)

For Wediko School or Wediko Summer Program admissions please contact:
Heather Wildman: hwildman@wediko.org, 857-366-2849
Jessica Luddy: jluddy@wediko.org, 617-797-6781
Katie Walsh: kwalsh@wediko.org, 617-721-9104

Thank you for being part of my journey at Wediko and I look forward to our paths crossing again.

Sincerely,
Pat