We are excited to welcome many new faces to the LGBT Life Center! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting our team so you can get to know some new faces around the center. This week, we’re excited to introduce Sid, Li, and Kelsey!
Sid Neighbours (he/him/his)
Senior Services Program Manager
Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?
Retired educator, having served Suffolk Public Schools for over 20 years as a teacher and administrator. I am also Director of Music & Organist/Pianist at Windsor Christian Church, and as of September 1 I will have been there 27 years. I have done freelance music work for many years as well, including a wonderful stint as Musical Director of The Hurrah Players here in Norfolk.
I’m here to help you with…
Anything we can do to make our 50+ & Thriving community’s life better!! Social events, cultural events, educational events – just to name a few!!! We also assist our medical & housing case managers with providing ancillary services to our clients, again to make their lives better.
How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?
I have wanted to work here for many years, and after a few years of enjoying retirement at home, my dream came true!!! I’ve always hoped to find a position that combined my business, education, and life experiences, as well as my passion for advocacy, and I have found it here at the LGBT Life Center!!
What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
- That I was an executive officer (Vice President & Cashier, and Corporate Secretary) of a community bank prior to shifting careers to education.
- That I was almost “taken down” by the Secret Service at a political rally for then Vice-Presidential candidate Joe Biden. Apparently, the Secret Service doesn’t like “Sharpie” pens.
- That I began playing the piano for church when I was 14 years old.
- That I survived a tornado, lying on the floor of the school with my arm holding down a student. My car didn’t survive the tornado, but miraculously no one was injured – I never even unlocked the nurse’s office to get a Band-Aid.
What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
Thinking about how, in my lifetime, I’ve gone from watching to be sure no one was looking when I’d pick up an “Our Own” at ODU in my college days . . . to being out, proud, thankful to be gay, and now working at this wonderful place!!! We have a way to go still, but to quote a Virginia Slims commercial from many years ago, “We’ve come a long way, Baby!!”
Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…
• Animal – Dogs, no question about that!!! I love my Gunther, he found me in 2012, and is a wonderful canine companion, and I had my precious Peaches from 1995 (she was 5 weeks ago) until 2010.
• Color – Pink
• Song/Music – “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Gershwin, performed by Michael Feinstein and Cheyenne Jackson
• TV Show – currently, “FBI” and the reboot of the original “Law & Order.” But my very favorite show of all time is “Petticoat Junction.”
• Movie – no question about that – it’s “Steel Magnolias.” I think partially because I see so many folks (including myself) from my hometown in the characters of this incredible movie and stage play. If you’ve never seen it on stage, you should – it’s the same story and the same wonderful lines from the same characters, but staged completely different, and it’s wonderful
• Hobby – Flower arranging
Peijin Li (she/her/hers)
Fiscal Analyst
Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?
I am from China, and I am currently located in Rochester working remotely while I am taking my last class as a student.
I’m here to help you with…
I am here to work on the grant billing and prepare the supporting document for the backups.
How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?
I am interested in leveraging my knowledge and skills in making an positive impact on community and potentially helping more people in the society.
What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
I did my first skydiving in Hawaii right before I join the team 😊
What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
I am so excited to finally step out of the school and be able to bring my energy to benefit the team and gain more leadership skills at the LGBT Life Center.
Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…
• Animal – Dog
• Color – Baby Blue
• Song/Music – Hamilton
• TV Show/Movie – Better call Saul
• Hobby – Swimming
Kelsey Brown (she/her/hers)
Housing Case Manager
Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?
Community Programs where I assisted in building the Youth Justice Diversion Program, a diversion program for first time juvenile offenders that focuses on restorative justice.
I’m here to help you with…
Rapid Re-housing and case management
How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?
When I moved to VA I passed the LGBT Life Center building and knew I wanted to work here! I love the resources the center gives the community and those that need it.
What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
My family owns a farm!
What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
I’m excited to be working with an underserved community that exists so proudly in the Hampton Roads area.
Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…
• Animal – Pig
• Color – Yellow
• Song/Music – Any music that makes me feel good!
• TV Show/Movie – The Office
• Hobby – Anything outdoors, games and good food!
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