Devoted to Supporting Others: Marquita Caldwell's Spotlight

At New Avenues to Independence, our employees bring passion, dedication, and heart to everything they do. We're excited to spotlight Marquita Caldwell, a staff member who has devoted 15 years to supporting others as a healthcare professional. Her long-standing commitment to service reflects her passion for helping people feel valued, connected, and supported.

A Career Built on Service & Supporting Others

Serving Our Nation: The U.S. Army

Before beginning her healthcare career, Marquita participated in the Collinwood High School JROTC, where she served on the Army program's color guard, honor guard, and drill team. Following high school, she joined the U.S. Army as a Private First Class through a referral program led by her JROTC instructor and recruiter.

She completed six months of basic and job training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before being stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, as a Personnel Service Specialist. In this role, she worked with soldiers of all ranks, helping manage promotion point systems that supported advancement opportunities. Marquita served for several years and was honorably discharged.

Caring for Seniors: State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)

After the U.S. Army, Marquita earned her State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) certification at Menorah Park. She went on to work as an STNA for seven years for various nursing homes.

Supporting Individuals with Disabilities: New Avenues to Independence

Nearly eight years ago, Marquita decided she was ready for a change. In October 2018, she joined New Avenues to Independence as a Direct Support Professional at our Overlook home.

As she settled into her role, Marquita became the Interim Residential Coordinator for Overlook in March 2019 and accepted the full-time position in June 2019. Five years later, she continued to grow at New Avenues, accepting the Residential Coordinator Manager role in August 2024. In this position, she managed our Overlook, Richmond, Edgerton, Conelly, and Kilbridge ICF homes. Most recently, in July 2026, Marquita stepped into her current role as Inclusion Services Coordinator.

Out of all the roles she has held, "Being the Residential Coordinator at Overlook was my favorite," shared Marquita. "I love the ladies there."

Reflecting on that experience, she recalled the close bonds between individuals and staff. "We used to celebrate the holidays together, have dance parties, connect over food, and rock out. Every year, we would do Secret Santa between the staff," she shared with a smile.

Why She Chose This Work

Marquita's desire to support others comes from both personal experience and a lifelong passion for service. "I was raised by my grandparents and aunt, and I want to help others feel the love, connection, and support that I did," said Marquita.

Fueled by this passion, she decided to transition into supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Entering this field felt like a natural step because helping others has always mattered to her.

"I love the clients," she said. "I love giving them the love they don't have."

Her commitment to supporting others extends beyond her professional life. Marquita is a dedicated mother of three, an active volunteer, and a source of support for others in her community.

What she loves most about this work is the chance to build relationships and make a positive impact on others' lives.

Thank You, Marquita!

From her military service and healthcare experience to her eight years of dedication at New Avenues, Marquita has built a life centered on supporting others. Her warmth, energy, and commitment to helping people feel loved and supported have touched countless lives.

Thank you, Marquita, for your service, leadership, and the positive impact you continue to make every day at New Avenues to Independence. We are grateful to have you on our team.