This Veterans Day, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is proud to celebrate employees who have served our country, like Nicole Woodson. Nicole is a U.S. Army veteran and Direct Support Professional (DSP) supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in The Arc’s Living Options & Services.  

Nicole’s journey from military service to community support services is a familiar story for many service members who return from active duty, and we asked Nicole about how her experiences in the Army have shaped her work at The Arc. 

A Foundation of Strength and Service 

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Nicole was drawn to helping others early in life. She worked with people with disabilities before joining the Army at the age of 23, hoping to find a career that would provide stability and a meaningful path forward.  

As an E4 Specialist stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, she served four years in the 3rd Infantry Division and was deployed to both Iraq and Kuwait. The military quickly taught Nicole how to adapt to circumstances and get to know people quickly. Working in logistics taught her discipline, organization, and how to adapt on the fly, skills she uses daily in her work with The Arc. 

“My interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills show up frequently in my work at The Arc,” said Nicole. “Recently in the house where I work, when time was running short and we needed to move a bit faster, I was able to take charge and make things easier for people to get out the door on time. I feel like, because of my experience in the military, I’m comfortable being in control so I can support them better.” 

Adapting to New Challenges 

Nicole’s time in the Army instilled in her not just technical skills but also strong leadership and emotional resilience. This background gives her a unique skillset for de-escalating challenging situations and reading emotional cues. She describes this as “hyper-vigilance,” a habit formed through years of training. Today, these qualities help her create a supportive, stable environment for the people she works with as a Community Support Assistant. 

“The people I support are like family to me,” Nicole shares. “I can sense when things might go wrong, and I’m always looking out for them, ensuring they’re safe and happy.” 

Working at The Arc is also fulfilling in many ways for Nicole personally as a disabled veteran who has had to adapt to being part of the disability community. While Nicole started working at The Arc to give back to her community, she’s been surprised to see just how much she has received in return. 

“Part of why I choose to come to work every day is because of how the guys help me with my own unseen disabilities,” she said. “Being with them is like therapy for me sometimes. They are something special, and I love seeing them every day.” 

When people with disabilities support each other, incredible levels of connection, trust, and support are possible. Each day brings new opportunities for Nicole to use her strengths and connect with others, lifting spirits and inspiring those around her. 

Honoring Veterans Who Keep Giving Back 

Nicole’s commitment to growth has never stopped. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree through a VA program, aiming to become a social worker or service coordinator to continue giving back to her community. Her studies, combined with her military background, add even more depth to her interpersonal skills and help her empathize with those she supports.  

“Psychology classes have made me even more of an empath,” she explains. “I adapt to how people are feeling, and that makes me a better support for them.” 

Nicole’s journey is a reminder of the ongoing contributions veterans make in their communities long after they have left the military. Her dedication to serving people with disabilities is only enhanced by the skills she honed during her military service, and she is an invaluable part of The Arc’s team.  

“Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and happy,” said Nicole. “My job at The Arc lets me make that a reality.”  

Returning veterans have a multitude of skills and experiences they can use to impact their communities, and The Arc is proud to support our employees who are veterans, in the reserve, or related to active and former service members for the ways they continue to show up for our mission and vision. 

This Veterans Day, we honor Nicole and all veterans whose commitment to service extends well beyond their time in uniform.