5 Questions with Robert Haftl

Robert Haftl joined the Kinney Center in 2021 as the Assistant Director of College Support. Robert prides himself on being a strong advocate for his clients and empowers and assists them in navigating educational and community resources. His personal philosophy is that the best approach to creating effective and meaningful growth is that from a personal perspective, and values creating a collaborative approach when working with staff and clients alike. What are Robert's post pandemic travel plans? Keep reading to find out!

1. What drew you to the special education/autism field?

I have seen, both from individuals in my personal life and from my time in the field, how important individualized and collaborative services are on the wellbeing of students with autism. I was drawn to this field because I wanted to be that service provider for others.

2. What excites you most about your new role?

There are a multitude of exciting parts about my new role in the Kinney Center! If I had to choose, I would say it is meeting everyone the Kinney Center impacts, as well as being a force of growth for the Kinney Center and their students.

3. What's one thing you'd like clients, SCHOLARS, families, and the Kinney Center to know about you?

Something I hope everyone will get to know about me is that I am a wealth of knowledge about a variety of topics. If I don't really know something, I am the kind of person who will spend large amounts of time learning about it so I can be informed. 

4. What is on your professional wish list for the next few years?

Professionally speaking, I am hoping to continue to move forward in obtaining my LSW license and down the road, obtain my LCSW. It has been something I was planning before COVID, and I hope to reach this goal in the coming years.

5. What is your favorite thing to do outside of Kinney?

Something I loved to do when I was able, was to travel to cities across the east coast and compete in tournaments for Magic the Gathering. I love to travel and hope to continue to visit other cities and countries once we are able to safely, with my goal to visit Japan and Germany first! I love amusement parks, and I also look forward to that as time progresses.