Some careers follow a straight path. Others grow alongside the people they serve. At TLC, a career working with adults with disabilities is exactly that kind of path. Atousa Bastamnejad’s 21-year journey is a testament to what can happen when dedication is recognized and opportunities are created from within. She joined TLC in 2005 as an Instructor Aide, and today she leads the organization’s Creative Arts Program as its supervisor.
Atousa’s first role at TLC put her in the room with people, learning names and paying attention to what each person actually needed. It was hands-on work. That foundation shaped everything that came next.
A Promotion Built on Attention to Detail
Atousa’s attentiveness did not go unnoticed. She was promoted to Sensory Integration Instructor, a role built around understanding how each individual takes in and responds to the world around them. It was a step up in responsibility, and it deepened the same instinct she had brought since day one: understanding how each individual experiences the world and tailoring support to help them thrive.
Supervisor of the Creative Arts Program
Today, Atousa supervises TLC’s Creative Arts Program, leading a team instead of a single classroom. She brings that same individualized approach, now at a larger scale. Along the way, Atousa has also supported TLC’s residential homes whenever teams needed additional coverage. Whether its filling staffing gaps or mentoring colleagues, she has consistently stepped in where she was needed most. A testament to the trust she has earned across the organization.
In Her Own Words
Atousa has stayed with TLC for more than two decades. The reason is simple: the people.
“What I love most about working at TLC is the genuine connections,” she says. “Every individual brings something beautiful and unique, and being part of their growth, whether through art, movement or everyday moments, is incredibly rewarding.”
She adds that her favorite moments are the quiet ones. For instance, watching someone discover a new talent, or find confidence they did not know they had.
What Her Team and Students Say
Ask around TLC, and people describe Atousa’s leadership in strikingly similar terms.
One staff member put it simply: “Atousa leads with heart. She supports staff in a way that makes you feel seen and valued, and she always puts the individuals first.”
For Maria, a student in the Creative Arts Program, that leadership shows up in the details of daily life. “Atousa helps me feel calm and confident,” Maria says. “She listens to me and helps me express myself through art. I feel safe and happy when she is there. She always encourages me to try my best.”
Growth That Comes Full Circle
Atousa’s journey reflects more than professional growth. It shows what happens when someone is given the opportunity to build a career rooted in compassion, creativity and service. She grew from supporting individuals one-on-one as an Instructor Aide to leading an entire program. Her story continues to inspire those around her.
At TLC, we invest in people because that investment flows directly to the individuals they serve. Atousa’s 21-year journey is a powerful example of that. For anyone considering a career working with adults with disabilities, her path shows exactly where it can lead.
Curious about building a career working with adults with disabilities yourself?