Our N.E.S.T (New Employment Skills Training) Program celebrated several interns this month, including some that finished their training and some that are just getting started! This month we want to showcase our Rockstar N.E.S.T participant Katie!
Katie is from Old Lyme, CT, and is excited to learn some new skills this summer. During her first week, Katie enjoyed learning the ropes around the shop and making a new friend – her job coach Amelia!
Katie enjoys art and making memories with friends and family. She is most excited to serve drinks to customers. She is looking forward to learning new skills like grinding coffee and prepping materials for the shop. She appreciates that she gets to practice her cleaning skills, too.
We are so excited to support Katie throughout her N.E.S.T Program experience, and get to see everything Katie will accomplish during her first steps into the work world! Stop by The Nest throughout the week to meet our amazing N.E.S.T participants like Katie!
The N.E.S.T Program is funded in part by a generous grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation.
Brian has been interning at The Nest since the beginning of 2022. He is in his first year at Middlesex Community College, and is best known for his sense of humor around the coffee shop.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working or studying?
I like to play video games with my friends.
Do you have any special skills that you bring to The Nest?
My friendliness.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Nest?
I love the experience that I am getting and the people are really nice to work with.
I have heard that you have a wonderful work ethic, holding yourself to a high standard. Where does this come from?
I try to always do my best at everything that I do.
What do you think your life will be like in 5 years?
Hopefully, I will have a full-time job and an apartment. I would like to get my driver’s license and maybe drive a Mustang.
Do you have a favorite treat from the Nest?
I love the raspberry herbal iced tea.
Jillian Noyes had a dream.
She wanted to get to work without bothering her mother or relying on a limited bus schedule. She wanted to go to a movie, or be able to buy groceries. She wanted to feel like an adult. But she needed to learn to drive.
Jillian’s struggles with Autism and ADHD created a lack of self-confidence that made it complicated to gain the one thing that could give her this freedom. A license. During an early driving lesson, her instructor told her that he “usually saw progress after two hours of lessons, but that he did not see any with her”. This crushed Jillian. “I took that as a sign to give up,” she said. But someone else saw promise in her.
In 2020, Jillian was nominated for the Alexandra Dilger Annual Award. During the application process, Jillian was asked what goal she would like to achieve. “This opportunity allowed me to think about, and pursue, something that I wouldn’t have thought possible. Like getting my license.” In 2020, Jillian received funding through the award for driving lessons. “This award is unique because it was about supporting me financially and emotionally. I thought, if they believed in me, I should as well.”
In 2021, Jillian received her license. “Receiving this award has opened up so many opportunities for me. I feel like I have so much more freedom,” Jillian said. “I am so incredibly grateful for the generosity of this family to give me this incredible gift of independence and freedom.” Jillian now sits on the Alexandra Dilger Annual Award committee to help others like her achieve their own unique dreams.
The Annual Alexandra Dilger Awards is sponsored by A Little Compassion, Inc. located in Deep River, CT. ALC operates The Nest Coffee House to create employment and social opportunities for young adults with autism, I/DD or neurodiversity. Nominations are currently being accepted for the Third Annual Alexandra Dilger Award. If you are, or know of, a young adult with neurodiversity who would benefit from a grant for a specific goal, please reach out to alexandradilgeraward@alittlecompassion.org for a nomination form.
Lisa joined A Little Compassion and The Nest Coffee House in June of this year as our Development Coordinator. Lisa lives in Mystic, CT with her husband Brian. We are so thankful to have Lisa onboard. Her vibrant personality and can-do approach to everything she touches truly has been a gift.
Q: Tell us what drew you to join A Little Compassion and be part of the Nest Community?
A: I was really surprised when I learned that there was this incredible lack of programming for people with autism or other developmental disabilities once they reached their young adult years. Jane’s passion to bridge that gap through our mission and commitment to creating a nurturing, supportive environment for our young adults was inspiring to me. I want to help her build that bridge and be part of the great team that makes up the Nest Community.
Q: What is the most exciting part of your job?
A: I love inviting people to take a tour of The Nest and seeing their faces when they walk in for the first time and learn more about what we do. They are in awe of our amazing organization and our awesome young adults.
Q: If you had to pick one drink and one treat from the Nest what would you choose?
A: I would choose a strawberry/banana smoothie made with oat milk and a chocolate chip cookie (but all treats at the Nest are tempting)!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Yes! I have a rescue dog, Benny, who is a white lab mix. We have had him for 9 years and he will be turning 10 in December. Benny loves to go on long walks around Mystic (but does not like the drawbridge)!
Q: If you could change anything in the world what would it be?
A: I would want as many people to get vaccinated as possible so our world could return to normal. It has been great to see family and friends again this year
Ben has been an intern at The Nest since the fall of 2020. He’s graduating from Valley Regional HS this year and hopes to be in the manufacturing field in the future.
In his spare time, Ben loves to read and even writes Medieval Fantasy and Horror stories. He is also an avid gamer.His dream place to travel to is Japan because it is a beautiful country and he loves anime, which was born in Japan.
As far as The Nest is concerned, Ben loves our decadent chocolate chunk cookies. He feels that The Nest is “a chill” place to work where “coworkers and supervisors aren’t too intense and critical.” The Nest has loved having Ben on board and wishes him great success and fulfillment on his employment journey after fledging from The Nest!
Liam has been an intern at The Nest since last fall. Liam has a wonderful habit of jumping in to help with any task – no matter how heavy or yucky. He’s fabulous with customers and is a valuable member of our Nest team. He’s also a pretty cool guy.
In his spare time, Ben loves to read and even writes Medieval Fantasy and Horror stories. He is also an avid gamer.His dream place to travel to is Japan because it is a beautiful country and he loves anime, which was born in Japan.
As far as The Nest is concerned, Ben loves our decadent chocolate chunk cookies. He feels that The Nest is “a chill” place to work where “coworkers and supervisors aren’t too intense and critical.” The Nest has loved having Ben on board and wishes him great success and fulfillment on his employment journey after fledging from The Nest!
Danielle is responsible for most of the magic in the kitchen at The Nest and keeps the coffee flowing! She always has a smile for every customer and co-worker. We’d be lost without Danielle keeping The Nest stocked, our flock together and spirits high! When she is not at The Nest you can find Danielle hiking a trail with her pup Mica or spending time with her hubby.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being part of The Nest?
A: My favorite thing about being part of The Nest is being part of supporting our young adults and watching them learn and grow!
Q: When you bring home dinner from The Nest’s Grab&Go which meals are your go to faves?
A: I have brought home at least one of each so far but I just love the Mac&Cheese!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I do! I have a mixed breed rescue pup named Mica. She is 8 years old and still acts like a puppy.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?
A: I’d travel across the US and visit all 50 states! There is such diversity in cultures right here in the US. I could spend a year exploring, learning and easting!
Zoe has been with The Nest since August as a Lead as well as Kitchen Prep. She has an infectiously positive attitude and brings joy to every shift she works. She’s also a talented artist with some of her cards and coloring pages available in The Possibilities Boutique at The Nest!
Q You are a lead as well as do baking and cooking at The Nest. What tasks do you enjoy most?
A It’s hard for me to pick the tasks that I like the most, because at work I learn new skills all the time. I’d say that I like working as a barista the best because I like handing out drinks to our lovely customers!
Q Part of your job includes being supportive to our staff members of all abilities. Could you tell us what is important about that part of your job?
A The most important part about working with our baristas for me is making sure that everyone feels comfortable and safe in their working environment while also staying on task.
Q What one thing to eat would you recommend most at The Nest?
A It’s difficult to decide because the food at The Nest is so delicious- but I really love the quiche the most! I can’t wait to learn how to make it!
Q You are also a talented artist. What type of artistic endeavors do you enjoy the most.
A I find that I have the most energy for drawing these days, but I love to paint. Working with color is one of my favorite things, whether it be a digital or traditional medium.
Q What is your favorite part about being part of The Nest Team?
A The best thing about being a part of the Nest Team is the sense of accomplishment that it gives me in my day to day life. Whether it be learning a new recipe, helping our baristas, or handing out a coffee to someone in need, I always find that I feel better leaving work than I did going in!
Murray is one of our featured artists at the new Possibilities Boutique at The Nest! Murray moved to Deep River last June and quickly became a regular at The Nest. If you don’t recognize him from this picture it may because you met him when he was in a turkey suit at our Thankful Market! Here is our Q and A with Murray:
Q: Tell us about how you connected with The Nest.
A: When we moved here my fiancé Laura went across the street to The Nest to get ice cream and noticed you had items for sale. She suggested that I go over to talk to Jane about my handmade wood items, including puzzles of animals and ornaments I cut from reclaimed wood. Jane told me right away that I could have them at the shop. I have a whole display.
Q: Tell us about your scroll saw work.
A: I have been using the scroll saw for 33 years. I first got a scroll saw after completing a class. I am self-taught using tips from the experts. I have had some hard times including a fractured wrist from work that almost put the brakes on my scroll sawing but thinking positive I healed fast and got back at it.
Q: What do you enjoy most about The Nest?
A: I have been getting to know the workers and I know some of them have autism like me. I find comfort at The Nest. I am very patient with the workers when I wait for my order to be ready.
Q: What is your favorite treat and drink at The Nest?
A: In particular I love the raspberry herbal iced tea. I am drawn to the baked goods, especially the cookies!
Q: 2020 is almost over. What are you looking forward to in 2021?
A: A successful wedding! We are going forward with our wedding on July 18th 2021. We hope we can have our reception inside.
Sam is a new intern at The Nest through our collaboration with Region 4 School’s Transition Program. Sam jumped in with both feet to get his experience going at The Nest. He’s pretty excited to be at The Nest and offers to do lots more than asked to do. As a Mr. Fix-it guy we’re just waiting for something to break so we can let him at it!
Q: How long have you been an intern at The Nest?
A: Today is my second time working!
Q: So far what have been your favorite tasks to do at The Nest?
A: Washing tables outside and sweeping all the leaves off the sidewalk.
Q: Have you enjoyed your coworkers at The Nest and why?
A: Yes I have. I worked with Danielle. She did some dance moves which was fun and they were pretty good.
Q: What is your favorite treat/thing to eat at The Nest?
A: The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich!
Q: What are you hoping to do at The Nest once you have been there longer?
A: I’d like to learn the cash register, help fix things and learn how to heat things up so they don’t burn. I am also very good at greeting people. I feel good about it and I am not shy at all! I would like to sell my soap, “Sam Suds,”at The Nest!
Q: Is there ONE word you would use to describe The Nest to other people?
A: Good Place, Beautiful, New! (One word would not do it)
Q: What fun things do you like to do when you are not at The Nest?
A: I play with figurines that are mostly military action guys. I collect them. I walk my dog Sadie. I make things out of wood and try blacksmithing. I also spend time on my phone and with family.
If you come to The Nest on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings you are bound to meet Anthony! Anthony is an intern with us through Region 4 Schools and joined us in September. Anthony jumped right in working every facet of the shop from greeting customers and running the POS to making espresso drinks, doing dishes, sanitizing the shop and he has even packaged our hand-made masks! Anthony volunteered at our Water Lantern Celebration this year greeting folks as they entered the park. His willingness to give anything a try with a cheerful attitude is remarkable. We are so happy he is part of our Nest family!
Q: What do you like to do for fun when not at The Nest?
A: I like to go hiking with my stepdad. We usually visit the Portland Reservoir.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a dog named Cash after Johnny Cash. He is a Cataloula Leopard Hound which is a big dog! He loves to play and is very fun!
Q: What are your favorite things to eat at The Nest?
A: My favorite thing is the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with cheese. It is wonderful. I also love the Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Q; Do you have an talents you’d like to share with us?
A: I run varsity track and field as well as cross country at Valley. I am also an Eagle Scout and designed the nature trail at Plattwood Park!
Q: What parts of your job at The Nest do you enjoy the most?
A: I like using the POS and interacting with customers.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like folks to know about you?
A: I am a quiet guy with a lot of talent to share. I hope people will see that even though I am quiet.
Q: What do you do at The Nest and how long have you worked there?
A: My main job is to make sure everything is running smoothly and that both customers and employees are happy., I have been working there for about 16 months now.
Q: What is your favorite part the job?
A: My favorite part is getting to know people better, both customers and employees.
Q: How would you describe the team at The Nest?
A: The Nest Team is a bit more than just a team, we care about how the others are doing and look out for each other.
Q: What is your favorite Nest beverage and treat?
A: My favorite beverage is just a classic Latte with some sort of flavoring, as for treats it depends on the day, but I really love the scones and quiche.
Q: How do you spend your time when you are not at The Nest?
A: When not at The Nest I am constantly balancing my time to make sure I get all my classwork done while also spending time going on runs and playing with friends online.
Aaron is one of The Nest’s Tried and True. He comes to work all the way from Waterford and always strives to get it right and do the right thing. You can count on Aaron to jump in for any task and make sure your order is exactly what you asked for. For those who have been lucky enough to spend time with Aaron, his sense of humor can make your day brighter!
Q: How long have you been an intern at The Nest?
A: Today is my second time working!
Q: So far what have been your favorite tasks to do at The Nest?
A: Washing tables outside and sweeping all the leaves off the sidewalk.
Q: Have you enjoyed your coworkers at The Nest and why?
A: Yes I have. I worked with Danielle. She did some dance moves which was fun and they were pretty good.
Q: What is your favorite treat/thing to eat at The Nest?
A: The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich!
Q: What are you hoping to do at The Nest once you have been there longer?
A: I’d like to learn the cash register, help fix things and learn how to heat things up so they don’t burn. I am also very good at greeting people. I feel good about it and I am not shy at all! I would like to sell my soap, “Sam Suds,”at The Nest!
Q: Is there ONE word you would use to describe The Nest to other people?
A: Good Place, Beautiful, New! (One word would not do it)
Q: What fun things do you like to do when you are not at The Nest?
A: I play with figurines that are mostly military action guys. I collect them. I walk my dog Sadie. I make things out of wood and try blacksmithing. I also spend time on my phone and with family.
Stephen learned all the ins and outs of our little shop alongside us as we got our start. His friendly, can do attitude is always a breath of fresh air and his genuine concern for his coworkers is a trait that touches our hearts. There is a not a shift that goes by when he doesn’t ask if you are OK and if there is anything he can do for you. Way to go Stephen. We love having you as part of our Nest Family.
Q: How long have you worked at The Nest?
A: I joined when we opened last May then left at the end of November. I came back a few months later because none of the other places were as fun or productive. The teamwork and coworkers her are much more enjoyable than other places.
Q: What are your favorite things to do outside of working at The Nest?
A: I love to play video games like Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. When not in quarantine I like to go hangout with my friends.
Q: What are the 3 best things about working at The Nest?
A: The Teamwork, the cleanliness and how the employees are treated at The Nest are some of the things I like the most.
Q: What is your favorite Nest beverage and treat combo?
A: I love the hot chocolate with toasted marshmallow shots and the Old Fashioned Crumbcake.
Q: How has the Nest supported you thru the Covid-19 challenges?
A: The Nest gives me something other than video games to do. I get to see and socialize in a positive, safe environment and focus my energy into something positive.
How long have you been with The Nest?
I have been with The Nest 1 year since they opened. I trust all the employees I work with. They are very nice.
What is the best thing about being a part of The Nest?
My main boss, Jane is wonderful if I ask things or need help. I also like working with Marina and Sam.
What is your favorite Ice Cream or Treat at The Nest?
I could go for the mint chocolate chip ice cream or the crumb cake.
You worked on screen printing Nest Sweatshirts at your school – what was the coolest part of that process?
I talked to my teacher and explained how Jane Moen needed sweatshirts at The Nest. We have a backroom at school where we do screen printing. My favorite part was the putting the logo on the front. I was afraid at first when we tested but I did it for Jane.
What are most excited about when you think about The Nest reopening after COVID-19 is over?
I have missed my boss and the other employees. I will get to see everyone else at the shop and have my shifts again. I like filling the napkins and silverware.
How long have you been with The Nest?
Since May of 2019. Started as an intern and now a barista.
What is the best part about working at The Nest?
In my opinion it is grinding the coffee because that is when it smells the best.
I also enjoy talking to customers and guessing their names.
Tell us about your coworkers.
They are all very nice. I can do things that need to be done from our list and have fun doing stuff with them.
Do you have a favorite drink like to make at the shop?
I like making lattes and hot chocolate.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I like to take pictures of the moon.
What is your favorite ice cream?
Chocolate
The Nest Coffee House is proud to announce that Marina and Brandon pictured above received our Nest Winter Employee Recognition Awards! Brandon started his employment journey with us as a Work Experience Intern for one month last summer through our local school system. He returned this fall and quickly became an efficient and valued part of our team. By October we said goodbye to his job coach and hired him as a Barista and Counter Server. Here we are several months later wondering what we would do without his hard work ethic, sense of humor, dedication and frankly his ability to lift heavy things! Way to go Brandon!
Marina joined our team last August as a Lead on our Nest Team. Our leads have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Not only do they open and close the shop, bake, prep and run the counter – they also provide the hands-on support to all our baristas to ensure they have the right tools and coaching and emotional support to do their jobs well. Marina takes her job very seriously yet always has a smile and a positive word for everyone. She knows exactly how to lift someone up when they need it most, provide a helping had to a struggling learner and jump in to be sure our customers and staff have a soft place to land at The Nest. Marina is a treasure.
Tuesday – Friday: 7AM – 4PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8AM – 4AM
