What inspired you to join CISCC?

Since I was little, I have always known I wanted to help people; soon after starting my career working with children, I discovered the importance of parent involvement in education and its impact! Before being a student support specialist at CIS, I had done case management services at another nonprofit agency for about 8 years and then was an instructional assistant at Pittsboro Elementary, where I was able to connect both the parent involvement need and academic part. I loved the idea of combining both job experiences while still being able to give back to my community. I believe in the agency’s mission, and having the opportunity to join such fantastic work was definitely what I wanted to do.

What are some of your favorite memories growing up in Chatham County?

When I think about my years growing up, I always remember being part of a dancing club where an instructor from Columbia would teach us choreographies, and we would perform for families. I still have pictures of this. I loved it. I wish they still did this.

How has Chatham County changed since your childhood?

Definitely the community resources. I know we still lack resources based on our community’s high needs, but in comparison to when I was a child, there are many more resources and supports put in place to support students and families with different needs. The needs are definitely changing as time goes by, too!

What aspects of CISCC’s mission resonate most with you?

“Surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life”

Surrounding students with a community of support would be the main part that resonates! Programs don’t change a child’s life; relationships do, as the founder of CIS says! If we’re able to surround students with support and a safe place to learn and grow when we are with them, then the empowering, staying in school, and achieving in life pieces fall into place as we continue to support them!

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

Leaving my students and their families was a bittersweet moment in my career. I deeply care about them and have always strived to be a trustworthy and supportive adult in their lives. I’ll miss hearing “Mrs. Eva” as I walked through the school, but I’m excited about the opportunity to make a greater impact in my community through my new role. I aim to lead, empower, and support my team so that we can extend our reach and support more students and families across different schools, not just VCE.

What goals do you hope to achieve with CISCC in the coming year?

The former PD did an exceptional job strengthening the agency’s foundation and setting up successful procedures that guided our growth. My goal is to build on her achievements and elevate them further. With numerous internal and external success stories and a host of exciting developments underway, I am thrilled to see where we will head in the upcoming school year!

How can the community support the work being done by CISCC?

By sharing our story! If you follow our Facebook page, please consider re-sharing our posts so your loved ones can learn about what we do. Just as people spread the word about sales in stores or community events to help others benefit, we hope to spread the word about the impact we’re making. Sharing our story isn’t about seeking credit but about highlighting the difference we’re making in our community and addressing its needs. It truly takes a village—our efforts are meeting needs, changing lives, and nurturing the future generation. To raise awareness about the help needed and the impact we’re having, we need to get the word out. Support our mission by sharing our story, volunteering, or donating!

What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?

Fun facts: When I was in elementary school, I would always say that I wanted to grow up to be a social worker to work with kids like my friends and me who needed support. While I didn’t become a social worker, I had the privilege of working closely with Sally who was the social worker while I was in elementary. I fulfilled that childhood dream in my journey with CIS. Through this experience, I was able to provide the support I didn’t have growing up. I’ve also had the opportunity to work alongside and be inspired by the very teachers who were part of my own CCS experience—elementary, middle, and high school educators alike. I got to share the table with my 3^rd grade teacher the other day in a meeting. A special shout-out to those dedicated educators who continue to make a difference!