Development Director
I work at the Next Door because I have an irresistible drive to make a difference for people, especially children. This agency allows me to use my gifts and abilities to express that drive.
For many years I expressed my need to change things for the better through volunteer work, and I appreciate every volunteer who helps our agency—those who work, those who give, and those who lead us on our Board.
Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications at age 46, and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership 3 years later makes me feel like a bit of a latecomer to the game sometimes. It is never too late, not really.
Many of the jobs I have held seem a bit quirky now. At the time, they were a way to survive. I’ve driven a taxi in Houston and a school bus in Eastern Washington, sold clothes on eBay and fireworks in a grocery store parking lot. I loved doing housework for senior citizens, although I don’t care to do my own. With my home daycare, it was just the opposite. It was easy to love and care for my three sons, but other people’s kids were a challenge.
Here at the Next Door, I have been a Big Brothers Big Sisters School Program Coordinator, Foster Parent Recruiter and Trainer, Coordinated Services Manager (whatever that means!), HIPAA and Diversity Trainer, Independent Living Program Manager, and now serve as the Development Team Manager.
I have this theory about our work here. It is all Love. We can’t call it love because that would be unprofessional, but if you listen to how the home visitors, health promoters, teachers, case managers, therapists and trainers talk about their clients, you hear love. When you listen to program managers talking about employees, you hear love. And when I think about our supporters, I feel love. Their love and my love.
I hope that wasn’t too squishy.
