Washoe Country School District
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Loni Henderson's Profile
Picollo Student Works Two Jobs with a Smile
Student: Loni Henderson
School: Picollo
Marvin Picollo School student Loni Henderson works two jobs in Reno with another lined up after she graduates in June. Though she’s nonverbal, she has captured the heart of those who work with her at Picollo, especially her teacher, Tara Robertson.
“She’s a joker,” Robertson said. “She’s a crack-up. She just loves to work and we like taking her.”
Loni is a student who receives special education services in the Washoe County School District. She displays a glowing smile and strong work ethics, according to Robertson. She works at Texas Roadhouse and fills the restaurant’s peanut buckets, wipes down the menus and rolls the silverware into napkins. Her second job is at a Dollar Tree store, where she stocks shelves. Robertson and Picollo Principal Matt Burak said both jobs have enabled her to use important skills she learned at Picollo. After graduation, Loni will go on to work at High Sierra Industries in Reno, which specializes in working with those who have disabilities.
“She has near perfect attendance and she loves to be in the community working,” Burak said.
Robertson said Loni has had a regression in her speech in past years; however, her ability is starting to return on a steady basis. Robertson said she and Loni enjoy giggling together and have a common distaste for getting up early in the morning.
Loni will help with cooking or baking once or twice a week, using her skills to crack eggs or run a food processor to make salsa. She also enjoys swimming and getting an occasional massage, manicure or pedicure with Robertson at a station at Picollo.
Students at Picollo graduate when they turn 22 years of age. When they reach 18, they receive training for the workforce, having learned basic skills for postgraduate life. The goal is to train students to find a vocation in hospitality, food or other industries in which they can perform simple tasks with ease.
“Productivity is not as important as the process,” said Picollo teacher Richard Cano, who prepares other students for similar work.
