Age: 37

Business: Hendrick Home for Children  

Job title: Administrator of Programs & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

 

Why are you working in this industry? I have always been fascinated by relationships. Most specifically, the way healthy relationships can heal. I have always been inspired by that. It led to my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and ultimately to my position at Hendrick Home for Children. People grow where they’re safe, loved, and accepted—they need that far more than advice. Most of the time people know exactly what they need to do, they just need someone to walk alongside them. I love walking alongside strong children and families each day. We aren’t meant to do life alone.  There's beauty in knowing that simply connecting with others can impact someone in a meaningful, life changing way.

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What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful? 

1. Prayer and focusing on the “doing” part of faith. I love the book Love Does. I try to make sure I’m not just thinking about what I want to do to help those around me and try to just go and do it. The author, Bob Goff, would say that no one was ever remembered for what they just planned on doing.

2. I start each day with a clear purpose, whether that be spending time with my family, checking something off my to do list, or simply taking care of myself for the day. When you do that, you are less likely to be steered by impulses, and you feel more secure: you have a plan.

3. I do something to continue learning, whether that be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or talking to someone wiser than me.

 

What is the best advice you have ever received? That the best leaders are far more concerned with learning and getting it right, than they are with knowing and being right. There is a huge difference and I use it as a guide to make sure I am on the right track. I’ve also always loved the quote “Don’t be afraid, I will sit with you in the dark until the light comes again.” It reminds me daily that as much as I’d love to take the pain away from the children and families I work for... I can’t always do that. But, we can help them sit with that feeling until it passes, and the light comes again. The light always comes again.

 

Where will we find you enjoying your hard-earned time off? You are most likely to find me with my family or friends—enjoying some good food and each other's company. Or curled up with some coffee and a good book. If I’m not there... check Target.

 

Who is the person who most influenced you in business? In business specifically, Erin Seabourne and David Perkins brought me onto the team at Hendrick Home. They are truly some of the best in the business and they have taught me so much of what I know today. I’m healthier, better, and wiser because of them. Our CEOs: former Dr. David Miller and current Mr. Robert Marshall are also to thank. I’ve learned a lot from their leadership and have been proud to work for each of them.  My husband, Steve, knows me better than anyone--talking with him is always grounding. Whenever I am feeling a little lost, he reminds me who and where I am.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without each of them.

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Describe yourself in one word. Intentional

 

What do you want to be doing in 10 years? I’d love to be doing what I’m doing now, only better.

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Community Involvement:

• Day Nursery of Abilene Board of Trustees (Secretary)

• Abilene Young Professionals (Member)

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Texas)

• Licensed Child Care Administrator (Texas, Region 2)

• Association of Christian Childcare Administrators (Member)

• National Military Family Association (Member)

 

Family: 

I am a proud mom of my wonderful daughters: Ava (13) and Alexa (12). My life is better and way more fun because of them. My husband of 18 years, Steve. My parents: Ray and Lora. My sisters: Alicia, Chelsea and Jenna.