Hello, my name is Sarah Loyson! I am originally from a small town in Belgium, where I lived till last summer. In Belgium, I obtained my master’s in Psychology at Ghent University. For a couple of years, I worked as a mental health counselor both in a facility for people who committed crimes in combination with addiction, as in my own private mental health practice.

My life was pretty ‘planned out’, till it wasn’t. The only constant in life is change, right? I met my husband, who was deployed in Europe, and a couple of years later I moved with him to Panama City, Florida. Here, I am enjoying every second of horseback riding in nature and discovering different types of wildlife (including the bugs!). I did, however, miss a sense of purpose in my life. I love being a part of change, growth, and connection. I have two siblings with a disability, and always had a lot of respect and admiration for them. Their life motto is: ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight.’ This includes their job search, the stigma that society has about people with a disability, their friendships, and school.

When I saw the job posting for employment specialist, did a shadow day, and met the wonderful employU team, I knew that this was the missing piece of my ‘Florida Puzzle’. I am excited to bridge the gap between potential and opportunities for those with disabilities.