Fred's Family is Changing
I’m a procrastinator, and there are only a handful of times that it is more of a blessing than a curse. Now is one of those times. This was going to be a profile piece about Kayla, the newest member of the Fred Family, but I just found out that Kayla will be moving on to bigger and better things. So now it has turned into my least favorite thing to write, a farewell piece. I may not have known Kayla for very long, but I was singing her praises within days of meeting her. If you’ve met Kayla you understand that admission.
Kayla has worked in three positions since February of 2021. She began as a volunteer, became an intern, and ultimately became a staff member. Kayla’s internship was part of her college course at UW Stout. She recently graduated from there with a Bachelor’s of Science Human Development and Family Studies. Her career hope is to work with children and families, providing them with resources and strategies to maintain a strong family unit. Prior to UW Stout, she attended courses at Nicolet College and can function as a certified nursing assistant and certified medical assistant. Kayla was born and raised in Rhinelander and married her highschool sweetheart, Cai, in 2019. I recently met Cai, and the love he has for his wife was instantly obvious, as was Kayla’s love for him. When they manage to find some time together, they head back to nature and camping and hiking.
Last week Kayla had her first job interview since obtaining her bachelor’s degree. I knew, with more certainty than Rodgers returning to Green Bay, that she would get the position of HSC CCS Facilitator. Kayla, however, had doubts and will be hearing, “I told you so!” more than once. One just has to meet her to know why she was offered the position. Kayla is one of the most upbeat people I have ever met. Her smile and enthusiasm, even at 5 am, are infectious.
I think it is safe to say that she even deals with resident discipline with a smile on her face. Residents love and trust Kayla even when she tells them something they do not want to hear. She may not have first hand experience with mental health, addiction and homelessness, but her insight, empathy, and compassion know no bounds. Kayla will listen as long as a resident needs to talk and is great at developing a plan of action for various needs and goals. Her determination when helping a resident often means she is working with them for hours on end. She never complains about dedicating much of her day to help only one person. Kayla makes a difference in a resident’s life every day she works.
Kayla has made a difference in my life as well. Even on my crabbiest of days Kayla can turn my frown upside down. I tend to be a whiner, and being able to vent about an awful shift can make the events of my evening go from being a mountain to a molehill. I just feel better in Kayla’s presence and wish I could find a way to bottle her positive energy. She reminds me of myself in the early days of Frederick Place. I’ve lost some of that enthusiasm and positivity during the last ten plus years. Kayla has made me realize that I need to adjust my sails and get back to who I was then. I’ll still whine but hopefully not as frequently. Thank you, Kayla, for opening my eyes and making me realize what I need to do to return to my roots. The Human Service Center is lucky to have you, and your new coworkers will be singing your praises within days as well. I will miss your smile, laugh, and positive attitude. Most of all I will miss our “Are you coming to see me today?” moments.
Congratulations! I wish you the very best life has to offer as you begin this next chapter. I know you will excel in all you do! Just be you! Oh, I almost forgot…. I told you so!!
