How long have you worked for PYS? 

I founded and started PYS in 2014 but started working for Polk County in 1998 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 and their individual stories, helping them work through challenging moments in their lives and seeing them succeed.  I love seeing the positive changes that they make and develop into while they are in program.

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What is one thing you wish every youth knew? 

All youth need to know that they will be ok, and they are not alone.  Everyone has challenges and fears and have to find ways to persevere.

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 2024.

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 13 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?
I have been working for Polk Youth Services as an Independent Living Specialist since January of 2025. 

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What do you love most about working with youth?

I love building relationships with our youth and being a meaningful support in their lives. Being able to see the ways that we can assist them in growing through our program means a lot and proves the impact that the program can have. Providing youth with skills as well as experiences that can help create a sustainable future is a focal point of mine. While simultaneously trying to provide fun life experiences that the youth can hold onto is a challenge I find extremely fulfilling. 

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What is one thing you wish every youth knew? 

I wish that every youth knew that we are here to help them and we are not here to judge them. Being open and honest with your ILP worker is one of the best ways to not only build a relationship with them, but also provide them with the most meaningful assistance. I want youth to know that I will always be here for them and will put in every effort I can to help with things they are going through. 

Coming soon!

I have been working for PYS since June of 2026.

What I love most about working with youth is simply being able to be there for them. I love supporting them, helping them through difficult moments, teaching them things that will help them become more independent, and reminding them that they are capable of so much. I genuinely love building relationships with the youth, getting to know who they are, and watching them grow into themselves. Knowing that I can be someone they can count on, encourage them, and make even a small positive difference in their life means so much to me.

I hope every youth knows how much we truly care about them and that they are never alone. I want them to know that their past, the things they have been through, or the way they were raised does not define who they are or who they can become. They are capable of so much more than they may realize, and they deserve to believe in themselves and their future. I hope they always know that there are people who care about them, believe in them, and will be there to support them throughout every season of life.

Coming soon

We’ve officially hired a new staff member he’s got four legs, a tuxedo, and a whole lot to say. Our office cat LB has moved in, and while he might be shy at first, once he warms up, he’s one of the chattiest “employees” around.

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LB is our office rescue, a loving boy who soaks up attention during the day and bravely fights off pests at night. He’s a big lover at heart, greeting everyone with loud purrs and meows.

He’s already claimed the best nap spots, keeps a sharp eye on staff productivity, and insists on being paid in treats. We’re pretty sure he thinks the entire program now revolves around him—and honestly, he’s not wrong.

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Stay tuned for more “purr-sonnel” updates as LB settles in. 🐱