In 1990, the Berlin Wall had recently come down, Universal Studios Florida (now Universal Orlando Resort) had just opened and the city of Orlando had a population of 165,000 people. That fall, a young woman came to work for Quest, Inc., unsure of what to expect. After thirty years of service, she’s still here.
Gail Thompson has created a legacy of support for individuals with developmental disabilities and for the team members lucky enough to have worked with her. She is the walking embodiment of Quest’s mission to build communities where people with disabilities achieve their goals.
We recently asked Gail a few questions about her time with Quest.
Do you remember your first day on the job? Can you tell us what that was like?
August 24, 1990. I was so nervous. I started at Laurel Hill Cluster (one of Quest’s residential facilities in Orlando). I had never worked in the developmental disability field. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to make it past the first day.
Throughout all these years, what’s your favorite part of your job?
First, it’s the clients. I have had the opportunity to be loved unconditionally over the last 30 years by the most amazing people. It’s also the team — each time I have the opportunity to see a team member grow, develop and get promoted, I feel so good. In my role, I have the opportunity to work with team members with various life experiences. My goal is to add value to their lives, as they do the same for me.
What have the individuals in your care taught you through the years?
They have taught me to live, love and laugh.
What are some major life events that have happened to you during your time at Quest?
I had two children working at Quest and one of my daughters worked here for about a year. That alone was amazing to see. I remember when she played on the floor with the clients when she was young. To see her later serve them in a nursing capacity was pretty cool.
My overall development at Quest has been a major life event. I started as a Registered Training Instructor, then became a Certified Nursing Assistant, then obtained my nursing license. In 2004, I became a Health Care Coordinator then Nurse/Manager at one of our group homes. I’m now Director of three homes.
Has your position at Quest helped you grow as a person? If so, can you explain?
When I first came to Quest, I was not the person I am today. Not because of time, but the transformation from a girl with no experience in the field to the leader I became. I developed through trial and error and some days I had many more errors than I had victories. Through the years, leaders I worked with never gave up on me. I think that’s why I try so hard with staff, because I truly want to see them grow. Sometimes it takes time and I may be the person that they need to give them a boost of hope.
I certainly want to thank my current leader, Sara Oleck. Sara is a strong leader; she helped me, challenged me and corrected me but she never gave up on me. What I like about working with her is that she accepts nothing but the best from her team and she gives back what she asks.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes, I am honored that Quest would allow me the opportunity to spotlight my career at Quest and I give all the glory to God who has given me the wisdom and strength to do all things.
Thank you for ongoing investment in Quest, Gail!