ON THE JOB

Behind the scenes at Mod Pizza in North Spokane, Sophia Leras is an eager and helpful member of the team. Most days her workday consists of putting together pizza boxes for take out orders, wrapping little cakes in foil for sale at the cash register and wiping down tables.

For the past eight and half years, Leras has been an integral part of the Mod Pizza crew where she is well-liked and appreciated by her co-workers. From the moment she steps into work, Leras works independently and completes her tasks efficiently. Her job coach with The Arc, Carter, helps assist with small things like communication between Leras and her manager, but for the most part she is self-sufficient. “I do my tasks and I get it done and I work very well with these younger people,” she says.

Working at Mod Pizza has not only provided Leras with meaningful employment, but also meaningful relationships with co-workers who have become friends. One former co-worker, Hannah, is Leras’ best friend and they communicate and meet regularly at Starbucks to hang out and catch up. “She calls me to say ‘Hey best friend, how was your day at work?’” Leras says.

When she is not working, Leras enjoys spending time at home and going shopping with her mom. Every two weeks, she takes the bus by herself to the nail salon to get her nails done with new colors and designs each time. The nail techs at the salon know who she is and chat with her about her life. “I do very well on my own and I’m very much capable,” she says.