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How did you first get involved with SCAN?
My work on the FACT (Family And Children’s Trust) Board introduced me to SCAN. The work that SCAN was doing in the community impressed me. FACT supported SCAN through funding proposals that came through the Board. FACT’s primary role is to raise and distribute funds for the prevention and treatment of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse and neglect. I always thought of SCAN as a boots on the ground force, for it really did the “roll up your sleeves and get it done for the children,” including advocacy, educating through pre-school programs, and programs for families.
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN? What is your current role?
I spent over 40 years in education, from teacher to administrator to a professor in higher education, but my greatest work occurred during my last two positions before retiring from public education. As an elementary principal, I experienced the joy of children when they are in a safe environment, and they felt loved. I also witnessed vulnerabilities when their families were compromised, through abuse and neglect. As the Director of Disciplinary Review, I engaged with families of students who committed offenses, often due to unidentified trauma that they had endured or were enduring.
While serving on the board of FACT, it carried me through my own story of needing services when faced with some exceedingly difficult challenges in my family. I was surrounded by professionals who helped me navigate social services, counseling services, CASA and all of the forces that were foreign to me. I was responsible for ensuring that FACT educated the Commonwealth of VA about family violence and abuse and neglect of the elderly, veterans, the unhoused, and violence and abuse toward the LGBTQIA communities through Issue Briefs that were disseminated to our various constituencies. At the same time, I was privately dealing with some very real trauma of my own. I was ushered through my nightmare with the aid of board members who pointed me in the direction of what I, and the children in my care, needed. I was fortunate. SCAN does that for those who are not as fortunate.
My time on FACT ended in October 2024, after serving two terms (8 years). When an opportunity presented itself to possibly become a board member of SCAN, I only hoped that I’d be chosen to continue work for which I am so passionate, being an advocate for children, doing whatever I can to see that children can enjoy life in an environment that is conducive to developing into healthy adults in mind, body and spirit. As a new board member, I look forward to learning and engaging with others to do just that.
What inspires you to stay involved with SCAN?
I have just begun, and as Robert Frost says in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” There are “miles to go before I sleep.”
Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
I wish people knew that SCAN understands the holistic approach that must be taken to address the trauma that accompanies children who have been abused/neglected. They provide services and resources to address whole families.
What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
The best experience has been serving as a self-appointed Ambassador for SCAN.
What are any challenges you have faced in our work with SCAN?
In a short time, I realize that there is so much that you can do that it becomes overwhelming, but I know how to select options for which I am passionate.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN? Is there anything coming up/happening in your work that you are excited about or want to share?
As a new board member, I want to learn as much as I can about SCAN and share that knowledge to garner as much support for it as possible. While I no longer work professionally, my volunteer/civic work connects me with like-minded people who may have some volunteer hours they can give to some of SCAN’s programs.
Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, activities?
Whew! Where do I start with this one? I served on the Board of Directors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (2010-2014), the oldest female, Black Greek-lettered organization in the country, having been founded in 1908. My work continues to serve the Chesterfield community. My work in Top Ladies of Distinction of Central VA serves all of Central VA. Then there’s my church, Second Baptist Church, West End. My grandchildren keep me hopping with their activities in Girl Scouts and Top Teens. I’m always asked to conduct workshops and provide keynote speeches. For self-care (I have learned to do this.), I walk 2.5 miles a day. I guess, “If you want something done, get the busiest person to do it.”
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I really am an introvert. When I tell people this, they laugh. I seriously enjoy the quiet of solitude.
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