Tom La Spina Finds the Right Fit at Chick-fil-A
For 40-year-old Lake County resident Tom La Spina, finding his dream job started with a desire to work with people and a belief that the right fit was out there—he just needed a little patience and support. Today, Tom is a top-notch food runner at Chick-fil-A in Mentor, Ohio, backed by a team that’s championed him every step of the way.
Tom’s journey with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) began through the Works4Me program and Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Ashley Gardella. With this support, he found work that matches his skills and interests.
Katie Debly and Chelsie Jones from the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities helped him through job transitions, interview prep, and job shadowing at Squire Shoppe Bakery in Ashtabula and Scribblers Coffee Co. in Geneva. It was at a job fair, with Chelsie by his side, that Tom first connected with the Chick-fil-A team.
At the Creative Learning Workshop (CLW), where Tom worked for four years, Brittni Sample and Aleni Louden helped him build interview and workplace communication skills that boosted his confidence.
After a short stint at Crumbl, Tom discovered that food prep wasn’t the right fit due to dexterity challenges—but that didn’t stop him. Chick-fil-A had been his goal for years, and today he’s serving up chicken sandwiches and fries (his favorites) with enthusiasm.
Tom loves connecting with customers and coworkers. “I like working with people,” he says, and it shows. Taking car orders was tricky at first, but with time and practice, he figured it out.
His mom, Lynn, shares, “We just can’t say enough good things about Chick-fil-A. It’s a great, nurturing, and supportive environment. As a parent, it makes you feel good to know that he’s appreciated and happy.”
Thanks to a network of caring professionals, family, and a welcoming employer, Tom isn’t just employed—he’s thriving. He’s also in his third year with the Special Olympics Ohio golf team, adding more community connection to a life full of growth.
(Source: Content lifted from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities bulletin sent on 10/10/2025.)
Learn about employment navigation services in Lake County, Ohio by calling 440-350-5145 or visit www.LakeBDD.org/employment-navigation/.
