Years at CHS: 20

Current Position:
Unit Coordinator, BHCH

Tell us about your family, including pets.
I am blessed to have a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. I also have two cute dogs.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rapid City, SD.

What are some of your favorites:
-Movies? What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

-TV shows? The Chosen and documentaries.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my kids and family. I also enjoy coaching and doing CrossFit.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
Some of the changes I have seen over the years is the campus becoming a more trauma-informed and more understanding organization for both children and employees. I have seen many positive changes with pay and benefits for employees. I have never seen a time such as this, where the executive leadership is working so hard to create a positive and safe culture that provides openness and acceptance. I appreciate that the organization recognizes the importance of their employees and the necessity to have good retention. I’m thankful for the positive changes that have been made.

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?
Some of my treasured memories are when my mom received an award from Black Hills Children’s Home for her commitment to becoming a better parent and her involvement in her children’s treatment plans. Also, I cherish the many, many memories of positive and meaningful relationships that have been built with the children and adults along the way.

Do you have any advice for new employees?
The advice I would give new employees is there is always more positive than negative here. The difficult times should be seen as an opportunity to grow and build better, more positive relationships. I would also tell them it’s OK to embrace your mistakes and see them as an opportunity to learn. I would let them know that this is a very rewarding place to provide care even if it is difficult at times.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?
I’m very thankful for Children’s Home Society and to be a part of this organization. I’m grateful for the time I spent here as a child and the help and support that was given to me and my family. I am also thankful for the 20 years I have been here, and the many great relationships that have had such a positive impact on my life. I feel my ability to be a healthy parent to my own children has been strongly influenced by the time spent at Children’s Home Society and the many things I have learned. Overall, I have very positive feelings for this organization and I am very confident about the future of Children’s Home Society.