How long have you worked for PYS? 

Started PYS in 2014, started working for Polk County in 1998 in Youth Programs where the OYA and ILP programs were operated out of.

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What do you love most about working with youth?

I enjoying getting to know youth, helping them work through challenging moments in their lives and seeing them succeed and seeing/talking to them after they have left program.

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What is one thing you wish every youth knew? 

It will be ok and they are not alone.  We all of challenges and fears and have to find ways to overcome them.

How long have you worked for PYS? 

​I have worked with PYS since its opening in 2014 and before that I was working with Polk County as an ILP provider since 2003.

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What do you love most about working with youth?

Some of the most rewarding parts of working with young people is getting to watch their growth. Adolescence is a time of exploration and self-discovery. I love being a part of that process to help guide and support our youth into their adulthood. Watching a young person achieve goals they never thought were possible is something I'll never get tired of.

 

What is one thing you wish every youth knew? 

​You can't choose what happens to you, but you CAN choose how you respond to it. Your past does not define your future! ​

How long have you worked for PYS? 

I have worked with PYS since May 2024 (almost a year). 

 

What do you love most about working with youth?

I’ve always felt a deep connection to youth and have worked with youth the last 10 years. I feel a connection with those especially  who feel misunderstood. I believe that many of us can remember a time when we were just trying to figure out who we were, standing at the edge of the world, hoping someone would truly see us. That’s why I do this work. Because I’ve been there. And now, I’m in a place where I can give back by offering understanding, support, and a safe space for youth to be themselves. My goal is to show them that they are not alone and that with the right guidance, growth and healing are possible.

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What is one thing you wish every youth knew?

I know the world can feel heavy sometimes, but I want every youth to know this heartache doesn’t last forever. Keep showing up for yourself. You’ll make it.​​

How long have you worked for PYS?

I have been working as an Independent Living Specialist for PYS since February 2024. 

 

What do you love most about working with youth?

What I love most about working with youth is watching them grow and accomplish their goals. I love being able to be a support for our youth as well as being able to provide a safe space for them to express themselves. 

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What is one thing you wish very youth knew?

I want all of our young people to know that they are capable of great things, and no dream is too big.  I want our young people to know that their past does not define them and there is always room for growth. It is important to me that our youth know their voice is powerful and deserves to be heard. My wish is they know they are always supported.

 

How long have you worked for PYS?

Since June 2024.

 

What do you love most about working with youth?

 I love getting to know the teens I work with and learning about their different interests and hobbies! I really enjoy learning about youth's educational and career goals and helping them take the next steps to reach them.

 

What is one thing you wish very youth knew?

 Everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and be a better version of themselves than they were yesterday. You always have the power to make positive choices that will lead you towards the path you want in life.

How long have you worked for PYS?

I started working for PYS in January of 2025!

 

What do you love most about working with youth?

 I love helping the youth in a way that matters to them. 

 

What is one thing you wish every youth knew?

That it's okay to ask for help.

​How long have you worked for PYS?

11 months

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What do you love most about working with youth? Supporting youth in their journey to building self-esteem and confidence that ensures they can continue towards their success story. 

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What is one thing you wish very youth knew? I wish every youth knew that it is okay to ask for help, we are here to support the youth we work with no matter rain or shine. ​