Ellington

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian. I've come a long way from that--I didn't think I could put the animals to sleep. I'm soft hearted.

Describe your work day in three words.

Busy, meaningful and unpredictable! We never know who is going to call.

What tools could you not live or work without?

My computer, telephone or car.

What steps brought you to this position?

I've always wanted a job helping people. I knew someone on the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi board. That led me to know some brain survivors and I was fascinated by their stories. The executive director prior to me left due to health issues and the position was available. I had the qualifications.

I feel like it was fate. I love my job! It's a hard job, but very worthwhile.

What's the strangest aspect of your job?

It would be helping people or family leading normal and productive lives and in an instance change when they have a brain injury. Also, helping them adjust after injury. A brain injury is unique to each person. There is no formula to fix one.

What's the best thing about your job?

I enjoy finding resources and services available for family's survival of brain injury to make their lives better.

What advice do you have for others who would like to work with the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi?

You have to have a lot of compassion and empathy. You also have to be strong enough to survive hard stuff. We get a lot of bad things. We don't get good calls. Also, you have to have great fundraising abilities, because funds are getting cut. So, on one side you have to be soft and the other side has to be level-headed for tragedy.