From the moment Sarah B. started working at Club, I knew she was going to be a good fit. It’s not easy to find someone who not only works hard at planning activities, regularly asks questions on how to be better at her job, but also has a passion for helping kids become their best selves. She makes an effort, whether she knows it or not, to make a positive impact on every member she meets.

The first time she really shined was late in the spring, 2023, when we could finally go outside again but there was still mushy snow sludge on the ground. Most Club members and staff were standing around, not really playing, but Sarah had managed to get one of our most difficult members to open up by running around and playing hide and seek in the trees with her. I only saw them for a moment while passing through the games room, but it is something that stuck with me about her. Not a lot of members knew her, and vis versa, but she still managed to crack open a very guarded member and have fun.  Sarah took the time to build that relationship, created an opportunity to be silly so the Club member could have fun, and provided attention to someone who thrived from it. It wasn’t anything we told her to do or taught her, it was something she instinctively did, which is rare to find.

Working so close with her for the last few months with the intermediate group, I got to see her dedication and drive to make an impact with each member. Anyone who knows the 4^th and 5^th grade group at Bair can agree they are individually unique. Not one member has the same needs for success, responds the same way in difficult situations, or simply has the same interests. Sarah makes activities suitable for everyone in her group and not just the “many.” She takes in member suggestions to implement and has learned how to roll with the punches. It was a learning curve at first, but she is one staff member I can count on to adjust to any demands of the members on any given day.

Sarah comes in each day willing to sit and work through things with members and goes on to make tomorrow just a little easier for them. I haven’t had many staff come to me with plans on how to improve behavior without asking for my input first, but she sees a problem and tries to fix it first. There have been several Club members who have come up to me and told me of things they are working on with Sarah to improve behavior, regulate emotions, or problem solve conflicts. Many are ones that aren’t easy members to work with all the time, but she has stepped in and tried. For most, that is all they really need to see or hear, to know that someone is there for them.

I have enjoyed seeing who she has grown into as a Club Professional and know she will continue to thrive. Regardless of the needs of a member, Sarah demonstrates she can handle anything they throw at her. Their successes are her successes, and I hope she knows just how proud we are of her with all she does!