What is your secret to success?
Always be curious, don’t be afraid to take chances, and surround yourself with people who encourage your success. Also, never quit learning.
How did you get started in your field?
I was a pre-med major in college at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia and heard about a part-time job with a flexible schedule working with people with serious and persistent mental illness. I didn’t know exactly what I would be doing, but I applied because it worked with my school schedule. Little did I know that it would change the course of my life and career. I began working as a mental health paraprofessional and fell in love with the philosophy of Birch Tree Communities and working with its members. That was in 1997. I changed my major and went on to get my master’s in counseling, which led me to where I am today.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Be tenacious. Don’t give up on yourself or your goals.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
Professionally, I’m proud of working my way up through a company from an entry-level position. I believe it improves my effectiveness as a leader to have worked in so many different capacities within our organization. I hope it inspires others within Birch Tree Communities to want to grow within our organization and advance their careers.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
I’m not sure there is such a thing as work-life balance. My husband, Chris, and I both work at Birch Tree Communities and have three children who are all involved in sports and extracurricular activities. I honestly couldn’t do this without him. He does 90 percent of the cooking and is the scheduler of the family. Due to the nature of the population that we serve, work takes priority at times. Luckily, we are blessed to work for a company that values family, offers flexibility and encourages self-care.
What are you reading/watching/Listening to right now?
I am kind of a nerd when it comes to reading. I read a lot of research articles on mental illness and schizophrenia. If I am reading a book or watching a show, it will usually be something sci-fi or fantasy.
What Is your favorite quote?
“If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters,” by Claire Cook.
Life doesn’t always work out exactly how you planned it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work out. That’s when you pivot, change your perspective and move forward with a new plan.
