Name: Candi Rose Eaton
Years at CHS: 15 years 8 months
Current Position: Team Coordinator, BHCH West Unit

Tell us about your family, including pets.

My husband’s name is Jim. I have three girls, Emily, Brittani and Cortney. I also have a stepson named Dustyn and he is married to my daughter-in-law, Trinity. I have four beautiful grandchildren, Arianna, Ryder, Kylee and Kash. I have three dogs of my own, Auggy, Piper and Hazel. AND I have one extremely spoiled grand pup, Zeke.

Where did you grow up? I grew up on a ranch in Opal, SD. Opal is about 30 miles west of Faith, SD.

What are some of your favorites:
-Movies? When I was 12 years old, I attended my very first movie with my aunt and uncle. “The Man From Snowy River” is still one of my favorite movies today. I also enjoy watching “Tombstone,” and “Dinosaurs.”
-TV shows? I love watching “Golden Girls,” “Designing Women” and “911.”
-Books? My favorite books are “The Horse Whisperer” and “The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
-Musicians? I love 80’s hair bands like Def Leopard, Cinderella, etc.
-Sports or teams? Not a sports fan.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my girls and grandchildren. I like to spend time doing things with my dogs. Time with my family, even the four-legged ones, is my hobby.

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I spent my childhood outside, riding horses and playing in mud. I was the extreme ranch kid! I went to grade school in a one-room school for eight years, then drove back and forth from Faith for four years of high school. I graduated with a class of 24.

Please provide two truths and a lie about yourself.

1. I have had two jobs since we moved to the Rapid City area in 1998.
2. I have been married for 27 years.
3. I was living 25 miles north of Oklahoma City when the federal building was bombed.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?

As a Team Coordinator, I have seen a huge change in the communication between the teams. The use of trust-based relational intervention (TBRI) has strengthened our abilities to communicate and has built stronger relationships with the children.

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?

Being stuck out here in 2013 over the Atlas blizzard comes to mind. It was a strong test of the staff that was here and showed how we all pulled together for the kids and ourselves. It’s a hard memory but it showed how well we can work together and support each other

One of my best memories from CHS will always be “onward and upward.” This is how Sue Andrews always ended her notes when she emailed us. Sue was a strong mentor and a big influence for me, and I will always cherish the years I worked for her!

Do you have any advice for newly hired employees?

Take your time. Don’t let it scare you, I promise it will get better. If you really want to succeed at Children’s Home, always have great supervision. Supervision is your key to success.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?

I really enjoy working at CHS. The kids make me happy! I enjoy working with them and building relationships. It’s rewarding to make a difference in their lives and help them overcome the barriers they are facing.

If you guessed number two, then you are correct. Candi has not been married for 27 years.