Meet our newest Family Educator, Courtney!
Tell us a little bit about you!
I grew up in Inver Grove Heights, MN. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of North Dakota. This past January I decided to move back to the Twin Cities to be closer to my family.
What brings you to Way to Grow?
I was drawn to Way to Grow because of the approach they take with families. I have always had a strong passion for children’s education and have seen how family life can impact a child’s learning. As I learned more about Way to Grow, I saw how they looked at each family as a whole to provide education to support the child’s development, while putting a focus on the parent being a child’s first teacher. It was very inspiring to me.
Where did you work before Way to Grow?
I worked for an agency in Grand Forks that provided a multitude of services related to different forms of violence. My role specifically was on the prevention side of things: doing outreach, training to adults and youth, social media, etc. The training and outreach I did with adults focused on what they could do if they were to see violence happening in the community. When working with the youth it was a larger focus on what healthy relationships look like in both friendships and dating relationships.
What excites you most about working at Way to Grow?
I am excited to work with each family and give them the tools they need so that their child can grow up with the education and confidence they need to become whatever it is they want to be in life.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy going camping and hiking, especially if I get to bring my 70lb mutt, Gunnar, with me. I like to spend a lot of my time outside, whether it be for a run, out on the lake, playing with my dog, or just sitting outside with family and friends, so I definitely try to take advantage of the few months that I actually can. I also enjoy reading. I mostly read mysteries, any book I can learn something from, or ones about travel.
Welcome, Courtney!
