GSIL

For more than 11 years, Brianna Smith has been part of the GSIL team, helping young people build skills, confidence, and a path toward greater independence. From being part of the early days of Earn and Learn to helping shape IMPACCT Academy, her passion for supporting youth and young adults shines through.

In this GSIL Employee Spotlight, learn more about what inspires Brianna’s work, the students who have left a lasting impact, and why sometimes the career you never planned for becomes the one you were meant to have.

1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, what brought you to GSIL, and what inspired you to work in this field?

I’ve lived in the 603 my entire life! I was born and raised in a small town in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region and now call the Capital City of Concord home.

I’ve been with Granite State Independent Living for more than 11 years, joining the organization in 2015 when the Earn and Learn team consisted of just three staff members.

I was drawn to GSIL because of my passion for helping others, especially youth and young adults. As someone who was relatively new to the organization at the beginning of my career, it was an honor to be involved in the creation of IMPACCT Academy. Watching the program grow and seeing the impact (no pun intended!) it has on students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career at GSIL.

When I reflect on my own high school experience, I often think about how differently my path might have looked if I had access to the kind of support our instructors provide today. That perspective fuels my commitment to the work we do and reinforces my appreciation for our incredible Education Team. Each of us has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young adults we serve.

What makes my journey especially meaningful is that my mom is a retired Special Education Teacher. As a child, I was adamant that I would never work in education. Life has a funny way of changing our plans!

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that pathways can change at any point in your life. Don’t be afraid to try something new, explore different opportunities, or follow a path you never imagined for yourself. Sometimes the most rewarding careers are the ones you never expected to have.

2. What does a typical day look like for you? Share a little about your role and what you enjoy most about the work you do.

My day-to-day responsibilities can change at any moment, which is something I genuinely enjoy because no two days are ever the same. One of my favorite parts of the job is spending time in the training room with our students and staff. It is an honor to witness the hard work, dedication, and growth that takes place each day.

Seeing students enjoy coming to the program, build confidence, develop new skills, and work toward their goals is incredibly rewarding. Their successes, both big and small, are what make this work so meaningful and inspire me to continue supporting the life-changing opportunities we provide through both our Education programs.

3. What’s one part of your work in Education Services that you’re especially passionate about, or a success story that has stayed with you?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the transformation that can occur in our students throughout their time in the program. I value the lasting relationships we build because GSIL is a place where individuals can return for services and support at any stage of their lives.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching students overcome incredible challenges and achieve things they never thought possible. I’ve seen students who were experiencing homelessness discover their confidence and become stars on the stage. I’ve attended former students’ high school graduations, baby showers, and other important milestones, celebrating their successes long after they have left our program.

Some students have told me that I made a difference in the trajectory of their lives. While those words mean a great deal to me, the truth is that our students have changed my life for the better. Their resilience, determination, and growth inspire me every day. Being a small part of their journey is both a privilege and a reminder of why this work is so meaningful.

4. When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend your free time, or what’s something your coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?

When I’m not at work, my family is everything to me. While I don’t have children of my own, I am a proud aunt to three adorable nieces and nephews: two-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, and their five-year-old big sister. Spending time with them is one of my greatest joys.

I also love to travel. In fact, if I don’t have a vacation planned, something just doesn’t feel right! Whether it’s exploring a new destination or planning my next adventure, travel is a big part of how I recharge and create lasting memories.

More recently, I’ve discovered a new passion for 9Round Kickboxing, which has challenged me in the best ways and become an important part of my routine.

A few fun facts about me: I’m absolutely terrified of whales, camping is not my thing, and you’ll never find me roughing it in the woods. Give me a tropical destination, a fishing pole, and sunshine, and I’m perfectly happy. That’s my idea of the perfect getaway!