Twenty-six years ago I began working for United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas as their accountant, and within five years I became their Vice President and CFO. I currently oversee business and financial activity for the organization. However, the heart of what my team does is help provide the support and tools our programs and direct care workers need to carry out our mission of serving people with all abilities so that they can live a life without limits.
When Hubert, who attended one of our adult centers, entered my life. After our friendship developed and I saw his life blossom in the community, I realized what a difference we made in the lives of those we served.
Balancing career and family can be tricky. Ideally, you could give your everything to both every day. I couldn’t do it without the support of my husband and son, along with finding a work environment that respects my family priorities.
In high school I worked at a wedding shop. It taught me the importance of details, no matter how minor, and how to keep focused on the needs of your customer. Also celebrating happy occasions made it really fun.
United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas. For an agency of 60+ years, we're the best kept secret in the state! We're more than our name. We’re known for serving people and families that have more severe financial, environmental and health challenges.
At UCP, I'm a behind the scenes person, but our team's work is important. It's our job to keep things going so our direct care workers can serve people without interruption. We remove barriers so that our recipients can thrive.
When I was named vice president and CFO at UCP. I allowed myself this "I have arrived" moment for all of five minutes. Then I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
I wasn't expecting to be in a leadership role that early in my career. Those management and psychology classes from college really came in handy, but nothing beats experience. I'm still learning today how to be a better leader.
I pray because my faith keeps me centered in life.
Watching how my parents worked was living advice. Both of them had this incredible work ethic in career and community service. They taught me to give it my all, every day.
Direct care work is very hard, but very rewarding. Our team is compassionate and they go above and beyond for our people. We are caregivers, advocates and friends. I’m honored to be a part of this organization
I usually go to the gym on my way home from work. On nice days, I take our dog Lucy for a walk. Exercise is a great stress reliever for me.
