How did you decide to pursue your career? Since I was a teen I have worked with children. Over 20 years working with children has evolved into being an expert in the field of child development. I am passionate about helping parents and early childhood development professionals, so they can best care for young children. I do this through conference speaking as a registered child development professional trainer for the state of Texas, top writer for LifeHack.org, and author. I have authored two books and a third to come in 2021. The two published books are “Let Them Play: The Importance of Play and 100 Child Development Activities” and “6 Hidden Behaviors that Destroy Families: Strategies for Healthier and More Loving Families.”
When and why did you become passionate about CASA of Tarrant County? A fellow board member, Elle Oberdick, told me about CASA over lunch one day and from that very day I knew I wanted to get involved and help. Supporting CASA is one of the best ways to help local foster children because it pairs these children with caring advocates who monitor their case, attend court, visit them at their foster homes, and ensure that they are getting the care that they need while being in state care and beyond.
What makes you stand out in your field? I have a PhD in academic and clinical psychology with over 20 years of real-life experience working with children including roles as domestic violence counselor, sexual assault counselor, early childhood development professional, and foster mom. I pull from this experience, as well as my life experience as a mom to three kids ages 6, 6, and 8 to write and teach others about child development and family relationships. What or who inspires you in your career? Bob Goff. I believe his message of loving and serving others is what God has called us all to do in life.
What keeps you going? Doing what God has called me to do. It is not about financial incentives. Writers and authors (like me) do not make a great deal of money. However, my satisfaction and motivation come from knowing that I am helping others, as God has called me to do. It is about making an impact in the hearts and minds of people to positively influence their lives. I also serve CASA and volunteer in other areas within the community because it is about serving others.
What’s the best business advice you have ever received? “Do what you love to do, otherwise you will not have passion behind your work.”
How do you pay it forward? Serving and volunteering in the community. Currently I serve with CASA, the parks and rec board for the city of Southlake, and as a cheer coach for Dragon Youth Cheer.
Anything else you’d like to say about your involvement with CASA of Tarrant County and what their impact is in our community? Our local foster children need our support. People don’t realize that we have many children in foster care right here in Tarrant County. If you can’t serve as a foster parent, then supporting CASA of Tarrant County as a volunteer or supporting them financially is the next best way to help our local foster children. We have a duty to help these children who did not chose their life situation.