What is your current role at Hand in Hand? 

I am currently a supervisor at Edward’s Church for our summer enrichment program! During the school year, I work with our after-school program.  

Can you tell us a little about your background and journey to your current role? 

While I was in high school, I completed my volunteer hours with Hand in Hand. Once my hours were done, I was not ready to leave and continued to volunteer several times a week after school throughout my senior year! A few years later I was attending Monmouth College and I was looking for a job that I could work at during college breaks. I decided that I wanted to go back to Hand in Hand and I started officially working in December of 2020! My main role was a “floater”, and I would help out in the childcare classrooms and cover days off. Fast forward a couple months to summer and I was asked to head over to Edwards to help out for a day. This was something completely new to me, but I was ready for the experience and I ended up loving every second of it! I continued to work at Hand in Hand on school breaks, and returned to Edwards every summer, until I graduated from Monmouth College in May 2022 and moved back home. I am now in my second year of the occupational therapy program at St. Ambrose and always tell people that Hand in Hand is the reason I want to be an OT! This is my 3rd full summer working at Edwards, and nothing makes me happier than seeing our returning kids come back each year. I am so thankful to be able to work in this role! 

What do you enjoy most about your work here? 

My favorite part about working at Hand in Hand is watching the kids grow and getting to know our families. Not all of our children stay year-round, and it is amazing to see how much progress they make in just one school year! There is also nothing better than seeing their faces light up when they are greeted by staff every morning.  

Could you share a memorable experience or accomplishment from your time with us? 

My most memorable experience while working at Hand in Hand is any field trip to the fair. It is such a fun (and chaotic) day where the children get to go on all the rides and buy fair food/drinks. It is always a day full of smiles and pure joy! 

How do you approach challenges in your role? 

I approach challenges by collaborating with our summer director and other supervisors. I am so grateful to work with such amazing people that I am able to ask for advice during challenges! 

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? 

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, pool days, and watching a good T.V. show! 

Who or what motivates you to do your best every day? 

The kids! Hand in Hand is different than every other childcare center and I love that I am working for an organization that is working towards a more inclusive community on a daily basis. There is something so motivating and rewarding about working at Hand in Hand that can’t be put into words until you have been here and met our participants! 

Now some fun this or that questions: 

• Pizza or tacos? Pizza  

• Pancakes or waffles? Waffles 

• Summer or winter? Summer 

• Movie night in or go to a theater? Go to a theater 

• Books or movies? Movies 

• Music or podcasts? Music