The Project SEARCH classroom at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center is full of tables, rows of chairs, and colorful art on the shelves, walls, and cabinets.

“Verali is an artist,” Theresa Polk, Didlake Employment Specialist, explained, pulling a couple of framed pieces off a shelf.

Even though Verali graduated from Project SEARCH in 2022, she’s a frequent visitor to the classroom. “When I start my day, I come to the classroom,” Verali explained.

Verali has been working at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center since June 2022. Before being hired as part of the housekeeping staff, she was an intern in the Project SEARCH program at the hospital. Project SEARCH students complete three rotations in any of the eight different departments over the course of a year in Guest Services, Patient Registration, Food Services, Engineering, Housekeeping, Waste, Linens, and Patient Transport, and Rehabilitation.

Since the Project SEARCH program began at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in 2011, 124 interns have graduated. Fourteen are currently employed by UVA Health alone.

“It’s a good program and helps with being a good employee,” Verali explained. “My mentor was Maria, and she taught me about organizing, about cleaning tools, and really anything about cleaning.”

Verali started in a part-time position and later transitioned to full-time work.

A typical day starts with Verali clocking in, going to the material closet, and checking the carts to make sure she has everything she needs to start the day.  She cleans the bathrooms by the first-floor security station, main lobby restrooms, the doctors’ lounge, and the locker rooms.

“Sometimes people will be eating, but you need to ignore that,” Verali noted.

Sometimes she helps her boss with other tasks in addition to her daily routine.  “I just like helping my boss,” she said. “I like coming to work.”

Verali also serves as a mentor to the Project SEARCH students. “I love teaching the students,” she said.

Theresa noted that Verali is a great mentor to the students. “She’s patient. She holds interns accountable for doing the job and shows them how to do it, even if it takes several tries.”

Each month, Theresa meets with Verali to review her goals, discuss any challenges that may arise while mentoring interns, and provide support with training and professional development as needed.

“Theresa helps me with my resume, vacation forms, and different trainings,” Verali explained.

Over the four years she has known Verali, Theresa has seen her continue to grow professionally.  “She’s gained confidence and independence and is willing to take on any task. She shares her concerns and opinions, advocates for herself, and also, serves as a mentor to the interns.”

Outside of work, not only does Verali enjoy drawing, but she also likes going to Barnes & Noble for new books and manga.

And beyond work, she’s pursuing bigger goals.

“Well,” Verali said, “I’d like to live on my own.”