Sophia Newman

I’m a hard-working, dedicated, fast learner with hands-on experience supporting people in high-stakes situations, and I’m currently building my future in bread production.

At Commonwealth Center for Children and Adolescents, I worked as a Psychiatric Care Technician with youth ages 5–17 facing psychiatric crises ranging from autism to schizophrenia to personality disorders. I observed unit activity, took youth to daily groups on a changing schedule, and received training in how to handle physical altercations through defusing the situation.

As an Adult Case Manager at Valley Community Services Board, I handled approximately 25–30 cases, met with each client at least once a month, and helped clients get to appointments and the food bank while assisting in finding community services to meet their needs. Now, as a Baker at Kneads, I work with a small team in a large bakery focusing on bread production—making rustic breads by hand and with assistance from the machines in the building, while keeping interactions with customers professional and friendly.