Her Story
About Ana
Ana Riascos is a dedicated home trainer at St. Francis Ministries, where she works closely with adults with mental health conditions and intellectual and physical disabilities, helping them build independence in their daily lives. In her role, she provides hands-on support with essential life skills, including organization, medication routines, and personal care, while also managing documentation and care coordination. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals to live independently and maintain dignity outside of institutional settings. Riascos’s professional journey is shaped by a diverse background that spans business, community leadership, and caregiving. She earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Pearl River Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at William Carey University. Earlier in her career, she worked in banking and later founded and operated her own small business, gaining experience in construction, retail, and sales. She has also been actively involved in her community through leadership roles in a local soccer club and participation in homeschooling initiatives, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to service and mentorship. Inspired by personal experiences caring for a family member with dementia, Riascos developed a passion for supporting individuals with special needs and has spent over a decade working in this field. Her approach is grounded in compassion, patience, and a belief in each person’s ability to grow and thrive with the right support. As she continues her education, she aims to expand her impact by transitioning into a psychology-focused career, where she can address not only the physical but also the mental and emotional needs of those she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support I have. I have the support of my mom and the support of my husband - he's always been there holding my hand and saying, yes, you can. And of course, I must not omit God, for without Him, I would have nothing. What really helped me shape my journey was my interactions with people with disabilities. It just changed my life. And, of course, my grandmother, when she suffered dementia, changed me and shook me in a different way. I became more aware of a lot of things. These experiences motivated me to do more for people with disabilities, as I observed that they are often treated differently, sometimes ignored, and not as well understood as many people assume.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never to give up. You know, because sometimes you want to give up, but there is always a way out. Never give up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise them to come in with an open heart. To know that what they are doing makes a difference in someone's life. To keep going forward to achieve what they want to achieve in this profession.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A core challenge in this field is the ongoing misunderstanding and unequal treatment of individuals with disabilities, which can limit their opportunities for independence and inclusion. At the same time, there is a strong opportunity to improve public awareness and strengthen community support systems so that adults with special needs are treated with greater dignity and understanding, and have greater access to resources.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
What is most important to me in my work is helping individuals with disabilities become more independent and ensuring they are better understood. I have seen how differently people with disabilities are sometimes treated or overlooked, which has inspired me to advocate and do more to support them. My experience includes working with individuals with special needs, mental health conditions, and intellectual and physical disabilities.
In my personal life, I enjoy crocheting, gardening, and caring for my pets—I truly love animals. One of my favorite things is spending quality time with my family.
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