Name: Chonticha Hodges
Years at CHS: 15 years
Current Position: Cook

Tell us about your family, including pets.

I am a single mom of two teenage boys and love spending time with them. I have one brother who lives in Seattle and my parents live in Rapid City. 

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I lived there until I was nine years old and then I moved to Rapid City.  

What are some of your favorites:

• Movies? My favorite movie is “White Chicks.”
• TV shows? My favorite T.V. show is “America’s Got Talent.”
• Books? I enjoy reading cookbooks.
• Musicians? I love listening to Def Leppard.
• Sports or teams? My favorite sport is soccer.

What are your hobbies?

My favorite hobbies include painting, pottery and spending money!

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

I love Mexican food.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice came from my best friend, who told me to apply for this job at Children’s Home Society.

Please provide two truths and a lie about yourself.

1. I have a sweet tooth.
2. I don’t know how to cook.
3. I am a poor driver at night due to night blindness.

What are some of the changes you have seen throughout your years at CHS?

I have seen multiple women take on leadership roles.

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

I love crossing paths with children that I have served and it's extra special when they remember me and say, “Hello!”

Do you have any advice for newly-hired employees?

My advice for new hires would be to do your best, stay off your phone, follow the rules and use common sense. And, finally, if you have time to lean, then you have time to clean.  

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

I am really looking forward to the new kitchen that we will have on the Rapid City campus.

Chonticha is a wonderful cook, so if you guessed number two is the lie, you are correct!