Dawn Poole (pictured, left)
What makes you YOU?
I’m an introverted people person. Very shy, but I work hard to get out of my head and connect with people. Connecting digitally and virtually has made me realize that I prefer every part of seeing people in person.
What are you most proud of?
I’m so proud of my sweet family — Jayson, my husband, and our daughter, Sunny. They are both very funny, aggressively charming, and really good dancers. I am proud to have a tender heart that hasn’t been hardened by some of my experiences in life.
What keeps you going when times are tough?
The community of folks who are encouraging and supportive to Jayson and me is humbling but is also very motivating. If I’m having a rough time I try to find a way to be a benefit to other people so that I’m not spreading around any of my woes. It sounds super hokey, but even when you think you don’t have anything to give, you can give your kindness, whatever that may be, and that’s very encouraging to me.
What keeps you up at night?
I wonder and worry about the world we are leaving for every child. This would have sounded not-believable to me several years ago, but then I had a kid and now I really get it. Not everyone is like this, but it took having a child to expand my heart. Sunny increased my capacity to care and worry for other people in addition to making me realize that each of us were just kids once and that keeps me up at night (and distracts me in the day).
Holli Ward (pictured, right)
What makes you YOU?
Now that I am older and have had time to reflect (a benefit of COVID), I think my history has a lot to do with what makes me, me. Looking back, I see and appreciate the family and friends who have instilled my compassion, work ethic, and empathy for others. Even the bad that has happened in my life has helped form my life today. I am more appreciative of what my parents and grandparents did to provide me opportunities that have helped me become who I am today.
What are you most proud of?
Of course, I will say my daughter. She is independent, tough, and smart. She has also made me a Yia Yia (grandmother) to an amazing little boy. I am proud of the work I have done to help my husband recover from an extremely debilitating stroke fourteen years ago. I am proud that through my career choice, Geriatric Care Manager, I have started and maintained a business that I can feel good about and know that I make the remainder of my clients’ lives as successful and fulfilling as possible.
What keeps you going when things are tough?
The love of my family. The appreciation of my clients and their loved ones. Finding humor in situations or myself. I tell people I am my own best entertainment. My husband has always been supportive of me and my business. He reminds me not to sweat the small stuff. Knowing I make a difference.
What keeps you up at night?
Worry and my sense of responsibility. I want to figure out what makes my clients and their families tick, and how best to make a difference for them. I want to be there for my daughter and make sure she knows how special she is. I want to support my parents as they age. Sometimes my dog is a bed hog, too!
