How long have you been at DCCH, what is your position, and what transitions have you had here (if any)?

I’ve worked at DCCH for a little over 4 years now. I started as a Therapeutic Behavior Specialist (TBS) direct care worker before shortly transitioning to TBS case manager. About 6 months into my employment, I transitioned into a supervisory role that I worked in for about 2 years. I now am blessed to have the responsibility of Training Director, which involves training our lovely TBS staff. I’ve been in my current role for a little over a year now. I feel lucky that I’ve gotten to experience a variety of different roles, as the experience helps me constantly grow.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

I’m from Nashville, TN. I moved out on my own while I was still in high school, and I’ve been exploring ever since. I backpacked across Europe for 6 weeks right after graduating college. I applied to several jobs out of state, and DCCH just happened to be the first to call me. I said, “I’ll take it!” As soon as I returned from Europe, I packed my things and moved to Cincinnati to start at DCCH. Fate was on my side during this transition, because obviously I fell in love with this job and have been here ever since. Also, singing has always been one of my biggest passions. I love singing for and with these wonderful kids, even when they are hyper critical of my singing skills (in true kid fashion).

Tell us about family – what’s that look like?

I love my family, and they mean the world to me. My two sisters, my dad, and my Oma (mom’s mom) are my best friends, and they have always supported me no matter what. I will never be able to thank them enough. To me, family involves loving someone unconditionally and being there through the fun and tough times. Although I am lucky enough to have strong bonds with my biological family, these kids have helped me see that family is not always what you’re born into. Sometimes those people present to be an ill-fitting piece to the puzzle we call our lives. Sometimes we try to force the piece to fit but ultimately move on and search for the right piece that better completes our puzzle. Family is sometimes something you make and find – the people who provide safety, comfort, and love, despite not sharing the same blood. They are the people in your life that want you in theirs, who accept you for who you are without judgement or conditions.

What do you love the most about working here?

There are many different things I love about working at DCCH. The main thing that I love about this job is the kids. There is no better feeling in the world than having a vulnerable child look to you as a trustworthy, safe adult. These kids struggle due to a traumatic past, and we make a huge difference just by showing up and caring for them. One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had is holding hope in front of a child until they are ready to grab it, and then watching them slowly start to make positive changes because someone simply believes they can do it. Getting to see the kids be ready to graduate our program to a loving family is the biggest prize we could earn. Even though this job is heavy, being silly and allowing these kids to just be kids is one of the most heartwarming things to witness. Behind the scenes, I have always felt supported by my supervisors and administration. I genuinely feel that their support and perceived value in me has helped me grow and advance in the organization so that I can further support staff and the kids. The passion for the kids seen among staff at DCCH is nothing less than inspiring.

What is your biggest challenge in this job?

The most difficult part of this job is watching the kids struggle with feelings of hopelessness and defeat. You try to be strong and keep it together for them when their world has fallen apart, but sometimes the heartbreak felt for the kids is strong. You have moments when you want to save all of their innocent little hearts, but you can’t. It’s challenging to continue to remind yourself that you make a difference, even if it’s one heart a time. This job is tough, but it’s so worth it. These kids, the staff, administration, and most people I come across here at DCCH have made a huge imprint on my heart that will never leave.