Name: Barb Roozen
Years at CHS: 13 years
Current Position: Bright Start Home Visitation Nurse

Tell us about your family, including pets.
My husband’s name is Kip, and he is a United Methodist Pastor. We have eleven grandchildren, ranging from age 16 to one month! I love pouring into their lives by spending time with them and supporting them at their events.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a dairy farm near Parker. It was a great childhood! I spent lots of time with siblings and cousins in our big tree grove. My dad still lives on the farm. One of my favorite things to do is to drive the golf cart through the old tree grove with my grandchildren. I attended Parker High School, and my favorite school activity was cheerleading.

What are some of your favorites:
Movies? Any, I don’t have a particular favorite.
TV shows? I enjoy “Survivor” and “The Office.”
Books? When we travel, I enjoy purchasing a book about women who lived in that area. For example, in Alaska, I picked up a book about Ada Blackjack, an Alaskan woman who joined a 1921 Arctic expedition as a cook and seamstress. She became the sole survivor. I enjoy reading anything by Ruta Sepetys, Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult.
Musicians? Jack Johnson—I’ve seen him in concert—and George Strait.
Sports or teams? Any team my grandchildren are on, and the Cleveland Browns.

What are your hobbies?
I love crafting with my grandchildren, reading and traveling with my husband. We enjoy the ocean and visiting NFL stadiums—we’ve been to 10 so far.

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I won a Hula Hoop contest in Las Vegas at a work convention in 1990!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
It wasn’t really advice, but it was something my grandma did. She always said “Ich liebe dich” to me, which is German for “I love you.” Because of that, I learned to say I love you often—especially to my grandchildren.

Please provide two truths and a lie about yourself.

1. I’ve been on medical mission trips to Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica.
2. For the past seven years, my family has had an old-fashioned potato harvest. My 92-year-old father plants and harvests potatoes with antique equipment. Friends, family and neighbors come on harvest day to help harvest and bag the potatoes. Last year, we harvested 8,000 pounds of potatoes.
3. I did 4-H barrel pacing with my beloved childhood horse, Patch, in local rodeos growing up. Unfortunately, I never won, but I loved it.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
When I think back to when I started in 2012, the agency has come so far! Communication is better, promoting self-care is a priority, pay is competitive and building projects are impressive. It honestly just keeps getting better!

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?
I have had the privilege to work with and get to know amazing coworkers. We’ve shared some fun team-bonding days—the most memorable being a city-wide scavenger hunt.

In Bright Start, we have the privilege to journey with a mom during her pregnancy and until the child turns two years old. During that time, you get very close to your clients and families. It is bittersweet when they graduate and very humbling to hear their appreciation for making a difference in their life.

Do you have any advice for newly hired employees?
Always remember that what you do every day matters. You are making a difference in people’s lives.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?
I have always been grateful and proud to work at CHS. The mission and care our programs offer people align closely with my passions.

If you said Barb’s lie was number three, you are correct!