GoodLife’s dedicated staff are the backbone of our organization so we love highlighting their stories and sharing their passions. This month we were excited to connect with Dakota, a valuable member of our South Kansas team and our Day Service & Training Coordinator.
How long have you been with GoodLife?
I started at Goodlife nearly three years ago. How time flies when you are having fun!!!
What drew you to your career here at GoodLife?
That is actually one of my favorite stories to tell! When I applied, I did not know anything about Goodlife or the kind of work I would do here. Once I received an interview and learned about the company and the people we serve, I realized that everything in my life was leading to that moment. The people I interviewed with had enthusiasm, passion, and a deep appreciation for the people we serve. I wanted THAT!!!
Tell us a bit about your position now. What are you working on?
I am pretty proud to say that I am the Day Service and Training Coordinator for the South Kansas Region. Currently, I am working towards growing our services in Allen and Sedgwick County and providing innovative training that aligns with Goodlife’s Outcomes and Mission.
What do you enjoy most about your work with GoodLife?
I think the best part of my job is getting to be a mentor for the folks that work on the front line. Teaching and watching them grow with us is so amazing!
Has your position here at GoodLife taught you anything? If so, what have you learned?
Where do I begin… The talented people I work with make learning really accessible! I have learned how to teach and guide adults with disabilities and those without, how to work as a team towards a common goal, and how to lead the people on my team. Most, if not all, of the things I have learned are rooted in life and have sculpted me to be the person I am today.
Do you find your job personally meaningful? If so, what does your work mean to you?
Absolutely. My work means I get to wake up every day and make a difference in someone’s life. What could be better than that? I believe Marc Anthony said it best, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
How would you describe your career here at GoodLife?
Fast and Furious!!! I have had such incredible opportunities and experiences here in terms of growth in my career. I am hungry to do and be more and I enjoy learning.
What is one thing you didn’t expect about working here at GoodLife?
I think it’s more of an epiphany, but I learned that perfection is in the process. I take comfort in knowing that all the successes and failures in my life have led me here and sculpted me to be the person I am today. I didn’t expect to find that in my career but I sure am glad I did!
What is something that people might not know about you?
Most people are surprised to hear that I grew up and spent most of my life in Houston, Texas. I think that is a huge contributor to my versatility.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I don’t like to limit myself so I am looking forward to what I can learn, how I can contribute and where as a company we can grow!
Be sure to stay up to date with all that GoodLife has going on by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter and if you’re looking for an opportunity to join our team, we’d love to hear from you. We’d be happy to help you find a career path at GoodLife that fits your individual interests and passions—just like Dakota did.
