Family Engagement Navigator
Cindy joined the GUH team in July 2021. She is the Family Engagement Navigator at Spring Creek Elementary School in Northfield, and she also supports the Early Childhood Navigator initiative.
Where did you grow up, and how long have you lived in Northfield?
I grew up in Northfield for the majority of my life. I’ve been in Northfield for 22 years; we moved here when I was 8 years old..
What is your educational and/or work background?
I have my medical administrative degree from Dakota County Technical College. For the past five years, I’ve worked for a chiropractor. Before that, I worked at Three Links Care Center in the dietary department for six years.
Why did you take this job with GUH/HCI?
When I read the job description, I felt it was someone I could have used as a little kid, with my parents being immigrants. That position spoke to me. I’m a true believer that I could be that person to another kid and their family. My parents would have appreciated having that resource.
What are your main job responsibilities?
Making sure that the children are showing up to school, and that parents have someone at school that they can count on for help.
What do you like most about the job?
l like that I get to work in my community, and that I’m working with families and children directly. I like getting to know the children. Elementary age kids are learning about life, and what they think about life – it’s really cute to watch them at that age.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Getting too attached to the children and the families. I really like kids – I’m known for that in my family!
What are your hopes and dreams for the community where you work?
That I’m able to make an impact on these children and their families. I hope they understand the importance of showing up to school, that learning is important and it does start at home. I’ve learned that with my own daughters. I hope to share my own life experiences with those children and families as well.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family. We pretty much do anything that gets thrown at us – camping, fishing, going to the pool.
Growing Up Healthy 