Ellie Edrisi is an occupational therapist at the Veterans Home of California, West Los Angeles, and a proud member of AFSCME Local 2620. 

While she previously worked in multiple types of care facilities, Edrisi kept gravitating towards working with veterans, eventually becoming a full-time occupational therapist at the veterans home. They’re the reason she’s proud to come into work each day. 

“Our veterans are such a kind and inspirational group of people to work with,” she said. “We get to be their advocates and even their voices when it comes to ensuring they get the care and services they need.” 

As an occupational therapist, Edrisi works with veterans dealing with a wide variety of diagnoses, ranging from physical to mental and cognitive needs. Sometimes this means helping someone with regaining or maintaining their mobility, while other times it means helping a veteran with socialization skills. Giving them the ability to perform their own tasks of daily living and providing social groups enhances their overall quality of life. 

“They’re truly appreciative of the services we provide,” Edrisi explained. “Whether it’s ambulating with our veterans, to helping them regain strength in their legs, to helping them with dining. It provides them with renewed energy and rejuvenation. It gives them hope.” 

Veterans are not the only ones that Edrisi helps stand up for themselves. She also serves as a steward for her workplace, supporting her coworkers and growing their union. In addition, she also teaches as an instructor at a local college to help train the next generation of occupational therapists. 

"Once you start working here, you become a leader and an advocate. And I'm proud to advocate for both my veterans and my coworkers."