Happy Anniversary To Me!

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of our program.  Twelve short months ago we opened the doors for business and we've been busy growing ever since. 

In many ways it's difficult to believe it's been a year - it still feels "new" to me.  And we still have a long way to go - there are areas that still need refining, developing, and improvement.  We're on a five year track to be the very best program in our state. And that's gonna be tough because there are some great programs out there - programs that currently serve as my model.  I feel honored to be among these programs and the individuals who have created and developed them.  These are people who have a true passion and love for what they do - and it's apparent in their success.

In some ways it feels like we've been operating for much longer than a year.  I've grown and learned so much - it's been a challenging but rewarding experience.  I've had moments of disappointment, discouragement, and frustration. Moments when I felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely inept.  But they were just moments and are not the sum total of my experience...and they were moments that I knew to expect.  That's the great thing about being surrounded by people that care about you - they help to prepare and guide you, help to confirm that everything you feel is normal, help to assure you that you move past the fear and anxiety.

I remember the very first day, meeting with my one full-time staff person (yes, only one. The ridiculousness of that is not lost on me) who had never worked in the programs before.  I told her that the first year would be a little difficult but that if she could stick with me for a year that I would get us through.  And she's been great.  She's really got a heart for the job - she's passionate and caring and patient.  And she's stuck around while I try to figure out what works and what doesn't...and that is saying a lot!

So tomorrow marks a milestone in my professional career and I'm glad to have it down.  Like most things in life, the most difficult part is the very beginning...So bring on year two, let's see what I can do!