By Allison L. Andersen, Content Designer
As the mother of four, grandmother of 3, former basketball coach, Navy wife, and self-described Mama Bear, Moira considers children her purpose. Not just her own, but all children, which is why the mission statement of Elevo -To transform the well-being of students so they look forward to coming to school – spoke directly to her personal “why” when she decided to re-enter the workforce.
An online search provided Moira with exactly what she was looking for. “I was asking God to send me something I really loved to do, because I really didn’t have to work. My husband is retired from the military, so I was just asking for something that I would love doing so much that I wouldn’t feel like I was working. And, that’s what happened!”
Moira began as a Coach, working directly with students, having an immediate and positive impact in our programs. “As a Coach, I would always go to the child sitting alone on a bench away from everyone else, reading a book or watching everyone else play. I’ve always made it a point to connect with those students, because I just want to make sure that no one feels alone at any time. I’ve been able to draw so many of those students out of their shells and engage with them and get them interested in playing games or sports or just in any activity in general. I think that was always my main goal, to make sure that I reach students that may feel like they don’t have anybody.”
Moira always wanted to be a teacher, but the life of a military family kept her from putting down roots long enough to pursue her passion. Instead, she worked with the youth of her church, and continues to do so today.
Working with children for so many years in different environments gives Moira a broad perspective on how they interact with each other. “When kids are left alone and don’t have a voice of their own, that’s when they get bullied. I was very popular, very well-known, and very outgoing growing up and I remember seeing those kids. They got picked on, they got beaten up. A lot of things happened to those shy kids that weren’t doing the same things we were doing. That stuck with me. And, that’s why I have such a love for kids now. I want to make sure every kid has someone there for them. You don’t know what they’re going through at home. You don’t know what challenges they face. I want to make sure they always have someone they can go to. Just saying ‘How’s it going?’ or ‘How’s your day?’ means a lot to them. That may be more than they’re getting at home.”
Moira moved up quickly within the ranks of Field Operations. She became a trainer of coaches, then a lead coach trainer, then a Regional Program Manager and now holds the position Operations Manager. “I still love it even in my current role in the office. I’m still out there every single day with the kids. I love that I can teach my managers how to manage their coaches and really make sure everyone has the same ‘why,’ because if they’re not here for the same reasons, we just don’t need them here.” Moira understands that when working with students of
any background, but especially with those whose home and life situations may be at risk, the “why” a coach or mentor has is of critical importance. Anything else can be taught or trained, and sometimes a “why” will emerge from experience, but if they’re here for the wrong reasons, she’d rather replace them with a coach that has a passion for helping kids.
She loves to share the story that solidified her why for Elevo and continues to motivate her today. “During a break at one of the first company meetings I went to in San Diego after being promoted to Regional Program Manager, I was walking outside with a coworker, and here comes Nick and Chris. Both of the owners were walking past me but first stopped to ask how I was doing by name. ‘Wow, they know my name!’ Do you know how huge that is? These are the owners of the company, and they actually stopped to ask me how I was doing and if I needed anything. It was huge for me. I felt like, ‘ok, I’m home.’ That will always stick with me. I tell the people I work with this story, so they know the kind of the people they’re working for.”
At her core, Moira is a protector. A Mama Bear. This company is her family. These students are her family. And, she is the protector of her family. When asked what legacy she would like to leave her reply is infused with humility. “I hope the people in the company will believe and be encouraged not only by the things that I do but by the things that I say. That in my statements and in my actions, they can actually see that this is my why and this is why I am here. That they can see that I feel it and believe it. I just love being able to share everything I know with new people coming in.” But, perhaps above all, sharing her heart is her most important work and lasting legacy.
