Get To Know Anthony Milla: CIP Brevard Lead Life Skills Coordinator

In-Focus features a staff member each month as a way to learn more about our amazing staff. This month, we highlight Brevard’s Lead Life Skills Coordinator, Anthony Milla. We asked Anthony a few questions about his role, his CIP experience, and what he does when he’s not at the Center.

What’s your most memorable CIP experience at CIP?

It is difficult to pinpoint one specific memorable experience after being at CIP for over 11 years. I have however had many memorable experiences on our Global Engagement trips. I have seen our students make amazing progress on these trips including making new friends from different Centers, participating in activities that are outside of their comfort zone, and learning to deal with difficult and uncomfortable situations.

What have you most learned in your time at CIP? 

I have learned to be patient and trust the process. I came from a background working in a psychiatric hospital setting where progress was limited, and I started to lose any faith that I was able to help people with disabilities make any significant progress. After coming to CIP, I found that progress was possible and should even be expected with our population. I also learned that all of our students make progress at different rates. Sometimes it even takes a few years after leaving CIP before students really make significant progress toward their goals. I know that our process and procedures work and we just need to take a step back and let the students absorb and implement the information when they are ready. 

How has CIP helped you grow in your career?

CIP has given me a lot of opportunities to work in different departments, take on new responsibilities and learn what it means to be a part of a team. 

What’s your favorite part about working at CIP? 

There is never a boring day at CIP. We are always trying to improve our programming and make sure we are as efficient and effective as possible. The students keep us on our toes and there are always new problems to solve, even after being here for so long. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

After spending some time thinking about this question I have concluded that I am really not that fun. I really like to cook and I make sure that every weekend I find some kind of new and interesting recipe to try out on my family. I have to credit CIP for this new interest because of my time working in cooking appointments, teaching a culinary class, and teaching nutrition. Prior to CIP I basically cooked to survive and not for fun.