How did you get involved with First Children’s?
I agreed to present at an early education and child care training with CEO Jerry Cutts. I had met Jerry at the national conference, and I had done training for them before. That was two years ago. Recently, I decided to look at new directions after running the child care center for 32 years. I visited First Children’s site and saw it had a position open for the Iowa director. The more I learned about it, the more enthused I became about working here. It was a great match. I was eager to make the switch, so I dropped everything and came. It was the right time at the right place.
Why is First Children’s important?
I believe in First Children’s theory of change and in the mission to serve low income families looking for quality child care. First Children’s has helped strong centers remain strong. and it’s created positive outcomes for children. I’m blown away by the dedication, the commitment to quality and the determination to make a real difference. When you have a strong program partnering with families, it’s a win-win situation. First Children’s builds up the business side, which strengthens the agencies so they can do more community outreach and family work.
What's your vision for First Children’s?
To produce loans and advance the Quality First program – that will have a positive impact on entrepreneurship. Early child care directors have a dream of having their name on a building that they own. It’s all about helping bring economic power to the business of child care and producing change. Directors would rather have their own businesses, and we can help make dreams come true for so many people.
What do you like to do when you aren't working on behalf of First Children’s?
I have two grown sons who keep me busy -- one in Phoenix who works with handicapped and hearing impaired, and one in St. Louis who is an entrepreneur and event planner. Neither is married, but I hope someday I’ll be a grandparent. I like to look for opportunities to support programs that help children to develop positive self esteem – in churches, community centers -- coaching and mentoring.
What else would you like our readers to know about you and First Children’s?
First Children’s is a great place to work – with a dedicated and intelligent staff whose goal is to help build strong centers. They have big hearts, and they really do care about people making wise choices in their businesses. They care about children and exactly what the business stands for – helping children learn and thrive, so centers can stay strong. They believe in teamwork and supporting each other.
