Employee Spotlight – Maeve Murphy
Maeve Murphy started as a temporary employee at Vivalon, then joined the staff in July as a Program Coordinator. She’s had a varied career, including 8 years teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language) overseas, then in program and administrative roles with several environmental nonprofit organizations, and a six-year stint with the State Bar of California in their San Francisco office. She grew up in the East Bay, then spent 19 years living outside of the US and got to travel extensively and experience different cultures. Maeve is interested in living more sustainably on the Earth and would like to bring this topic into her role at Vivalon. She likes to hike, swim and do yoga in her free time.
More tidbits about Maeve:
What do you enjoy most about working at Vivalon?
My fellow staff and the volunteers are super sweet people. I enjoy getting to know our clients; everyone has a story, and I learn a lot from them.
Who is your hero?
Jane Goodall, her work changed the way we understand animals and ourselves. She is so gentle and wise and really loves the Earth.
How long have you been working at Vivalon?
Six months.
What brought you to Vivalon?
I was offered a temp position which led to my full-time role.
What did you do prior to working at Vivalon?
I worked as a temp for six months at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Before that, I quit my job to live aboard and cruise a sailboat for 17 months on the California and Mexican coasts. It was the experience of a lifetime.
What is your favorite family vacation?
My family would spend the whole summer in Lassen National Forest in Northern California. We kids had a lot of freedom to explore and got to know the woods intimately.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I’d let go of more things that really aren’t that important!
What makes you unique?
My name is kind of unusual in the US.
What are some random fun facts about you?
At age 13 I performed Irish set dancing on KQED TV, dressed as a boy.
I speak fluent “ubbi dubbi” (Anyone who watched the “Zoom” kids’ TV show in the ‘70s will know what I’m talking about!)
I’ve eaten crickets and silkworm cocoons and liked them.
What is something you want to learn or wish you were better at?
Real languages. I’ve tried to learn several but haven’t managed fluency in any…yet (except ubbi dubbi!).
What is your favorite place on earth?
Wooded mountains.
Who are the special people in your life?
My siblings, my uncle/godfather, my aunt, and some close friends.
Who is your favorite celebrity?
Stephen Colbert makes me laugh and I like his satire.
Would you rather be stuck in an elevator for an hour or eat a spider?
Stuck in an elevator for an hour. I’d enjoy the enforced break and meditate!
