Danny Lopez, a 2016 high school graduate landed his first job after graduating from Sierra Group Academy. He’s had two promotions and now works 35 hours per week in a remote role that suits his accommodation needs. Danny is combining his vast gifts with computer applications, video creation, editing skills, and his interest in helping other people with disabilities who want to master MS Office 365 and hone their business communication skills to gain work!

Danny is an individual with social anxiety and digestive disorders who received vocational rehabilitation services from Sylvia Gordon, VRC at the Allentown Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Prior to OVR and Sierra’s assistance, he was dabbling with web design and video editing. His VRC suggested that he take a remote look at The Sierra Group Academy by attending a Fri. morning open session with her. After he “kicked the tires” and got his questions answered via the Zoom Pop-in Tour Danny became a student in our remote office skills training program. He mastered Microsoft Office 365; gained comfort with business communications and proficient with various forms of assistive technology.

Today, Danny’s contributions to curriculum, and one to one tech savvy supports other adult students to do the same!

In his spare time, Danny enjoys volunteering with the Palmer (PA) Lions Club, gardening, fishing, painting, and socializing through online gaming. As Danny continues to grow his workplace skills he has a desire to spread the word about the value of working with PA OVR and Sierra Group Academy.

“The option to be seen and heard as the unique person you are is a central theme for our program graduates.” “Danny brings this to others as a graduate employee!”

Janet D. Fiore, Director