I started at Gateway Domestic Violence Services in the middle of October 2022. I worked for Gateway from 1999-to 2007 in a similar position.
I have always been passionate about women’s and children’s issues. For many years I worked with agencies that promoted justice through social change. Gateway’s mission of eliminating intimate partner violence through counseling, residential care, and social change addresses these passions/interests. As a parent of two daughters, I know the value of changing society’s beliefs about intimate partner violence cannot be underestimated.
I was excited to return to Gateway Domestic Violence Services. I have always felt the culture of Gateway and the supportive environment to be a model for the workplace. Perhaps it is the type of work Gateway staff perform or the need for all staff to pitch in wherever, whenever, that helped create such a positive experience. My favorite part of my day is walking through the shelter first thing in the morning and seeing the smiling faces of the staff or talking with staff from all programs throughout the day. Their interest in how I am doing, especially considering the trauma they hear about and experience secondhand all day, is remarkable. I also love hearing from the residents about how they are doing and how happy they are to be at Gateway. It is extremely rewarding to collaborate with an amazing team providing crucial services. My goal is to ensure that staff has what they need to do their jobs with kindness and compassion.
When not at work, I enjoy spending time outside with family, friends, and our rescue pup – “Carolina, the Beast.”
