Brenda Willson

Executive Director

When I look back at my teenage years, I reflect on my highlights and hurdles and how they have been beneficial in shaping who I am today. The advice I would give my teenage self is one of persistence, belief in oneself and convictions, and the realization that the harder you are knocked down, the stronger you must get up and fight.  

When I look at my adult years, specifically in current time and place, I feel with no hesitation, that the advice I would give myself as a teenager, is one that I still use for myself and others, each and every day.

In the current landscape, I am reminded that persistence is something that drives success and in making a difference. It takes time to accomplish change…. whether it is changing a personal habit or process or if it is affecting change in a climate that is resistant. If I had not understood the importance of persistence, I would not have seen such success as a teacher of students who were deemed by others “unteachable” or worked on behalf of bringing one of the most controversial treatment resistant services to my area and bringing life back to those who felt as there was no hope left.  

Believing in oneself and understanding your core guiding principles is incredibly applicable in today’s climate and culture. We must stand up for what is right and for what we know based on our life and professional experiences. We must help give a voice to those who have yet to find theirs, empower others to see that success takes time- nothing of value happens quickly- and by believing in ourselves gives us the strength to stand up for what is needed and for what is right.

Lastly, and perhaps one of the most challenging pieces of advice to give and personally practice is knowing that we will constantly face challenges that make us question ourselves. We must know that each time we feel knocked to the ground, getting up and using the strength it took to do so, will make us stronger. When we work our muscles, they burn and feel weak. But guess what???? Those muscles are growing stronger with each workout. That is what we must do when we personally of professionally feel knocked down. Know we are getting stronger. We just need to get up and fight the fight.  

I will end this incredibly powerful exercise by sharing what my teenage son told me the other night that I will keep close to me and share with others.

“Keep working on your dreams and goals. If there is anybody in the world that can accomplish them, you can!”

-Brenda Willson, Executive Director

Cindy Shotton

Executive Assistant

1. Don’t let anyone else define you
2. Know yourself
3. Value yourself
4. Go to college
5. Save money
6. Treasure your true friends. Never take them for granted. Never stop nurturing them.

Brian Bethke

Board of Directors, President

Enjoy the years of teens, but also accept that adults have been through similar times and may have good advice.

Raelynn North

Board of Directors, Treasurer

The quote I would tell my teenage self is not to be afraid to break the rules and do things people will judge you for but you believe in. 

Cheryl Mulvihill

Board of Directors, Member

Remember to always believe in yourself and never let anyone convince you that you can't accomplish anything that you set your mind to. 

Remember that just because you might make a bad decision, it doesn't make you a bad person. 

Remember that "NO" is a complete sentence, so no justification is necessary. 

Remember to love yourself first! 

Annika Rademacher

Community Engagement & Youth Programs Coordinator

My advice to my teenage self would be

• Remember that everything happens for a reason
• You are stronger than you think you are
• Don't sacrifice who you are to please others
• Prioritize your mental health above all! 

Andrew Stevenson

Youth Programs Manager

Life will naturally throw you through very difficult times. It’s important to know that you often can’t control how it affects your emotions and mind, and that trying to control it can make it worse. Instead, it’s best to allow it to be what it is and just take control of what you can which is continuing to taking actions that you know are moving you in the right direction. Eventually things will get better.

Rochelle Bettis

Family Programs Manager

"Find your joy and that will lead to your passion and purpose. Life will always be messy with ups and downs, so just embrace your imperfect human experience. Don't do the hard parts alone. And set boundaries!"

Jennifer Ruiz

Certified Family Support Partner

I would tell my younger self to, see myself for who God truly created me to be. To not focus on the negative aspects of my life, but instead focus on the positive ones. I would invest in true and authentic relationships, and not waste time in the ones that were toxic. 

Emma James

Youth MOVE Social Support Assistant

Greater things have yet to come. This point in your life is exciting in a unique way but know that each season comes with new challenges and wonderful opportunities. Don't worry too much about the future because it will all work out even if it is not exactly what you planned it to be. 

Fern Adams

Youth MOVE Social Support Assistant

Be patient with yourself. Take the amount of time you think you deserve to figure yourself out and throw it out the window because you are ever-changing, and putting a timeline on self-discovery never does anyone any good.

It's more than okay to ask for help at any time – not just when you've hit your breaking point.

You are worthy of love just as you are – no stipulations.

Josie Pape

Youth Programs Intern

My advice to my younger self would be to remember that you don’t have to grow up as fast as it seems like you do. You can take all of the parts of your personality with you as you go, even the parts that are silly and don’t seem have a place in adult world.