Christian’s ample experience working in a variety of areas at hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott and many more has driven him with an outstanding mission of involving people with autism and developmental disabilities into the hospitality industry. As a graduate in Tourism and Hospitality Management himself, Christian strongly believes that people with autism have a lot to offer to this industry. He started a Meetup.com page called Portland Hospitality and Tourism Meetup Group and Autism for people with autism currently working in the hospitality industry or those looking to join this industry in the Portland, Maine area. The group meets to share their experiences of working in the hospitality industry. Christian has also volunteered with the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council where served as chairman from 2009 to 2018.

Can you tell us about your experience working in the hospitality industry?C: I have been involved in the hospitality industry for over 18 years now in almost every facet from front desk to housekeeping. I recently got a BA in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Southern Maine.

What challenges do you face as a Guest Services Specialist?C: For someone with autism the greatest challenges have been over the years has been my anxiety. Doing front desk or night audit can be challenging when you have to deal with people in person or on the phone so it has taken a lot of personal training and patience on my part and help from family and the right supervisors to survive this long. Also, eye contact can be a challenge for me. I have to admit I have had anxiety attacks at work over the years. So, controlling them and learning to be a positive person helps.

What kind of initiatives are needed to make the hospitality industry more inclusive?C: I think one of the biggest is more training. Currently there is only 1 school currently in this country and that is in Munchie, IN called the Erskine School of Academy. It trains people with autism all the aspects of the hospitality industry. I have developed a plan like this trying to get one started one here in Maine with no success so far but another one is clearly needed. More training is needed. Also, I think that people with autism are capable of doing any job in this industry they just need the patience and to be allowed to grow to their potential.

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?C: During school I didn’t know I had autism so one of my challenges was being shy and not getting out that much. I had a social anxiety as a kid so for me it was tough making friends and I knew something was different about me I just didn’t know what it was till know. The way I motivated myself was that I wasn’t going to except anything less than a college degree and reaching higher expectations for myself regardless of what others told me

What are your other hobbies?C: I love to travel on my days off with my wife when we have the same days off and see new and different things. I am a history lover so seeing those things are great. Also, I a flee marker person so I have to go those as well as hey I live in Maine, so we have to see the outdoors. Also, I am into craft beers. Its big in Maine so I love to go to the breweries here in Maine and sample them. Great way to meet people and help my anxiety.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?C: So far it was England. I went there when I was an exchange student as a senior in college back in 1998. I got to spend a semester over there. I loved it. It was a beautiful country and I so much want to go back.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?C: It starts at home. My mom had one son with ADHD and another that eventually had autism. She always made sure that we were told that we could do anything we wanted and achieve anything we desired. She fought for us and so did our grandparents. It has to start at home. Your kids see this and will be motivated by what they see you do. Both me and my brother are better because of her.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to prepare themselves for working in the hospitality industry?C: Be yourself. Don’t try being someone that you’re not. Be up front about your autism to your employer. This will help break the ice and it will help you find out if this is the right employer for you or not. Be flexible. Be willing to try and open to anything. The more flexible and willing you are the better employee you will be.

Any special message for our community?C: Never stop believing in yourself. You are your own best advocate.