Leadership Spotlight: Russ Hansen

This month our selection for February's leadership spotlight is Russ Hansen! After spending many years in the mental health field, he brought his wealth of experience and knowledge to the EA team. Read on to learn more about his early life, the advice he'd give to those interested in working with foster youth, and more!

Russ Hansen

What experiences early in life contributed to your success with EA Family Services?

Moving almost every year of my youth helped me to develop system skills (flexibility, adaptability, and responsibility), and embrace stress as a part of having an exciting and meaningful life. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in working with youth in foster care?

The kids who are hardest to love, need it the most. Whenever we have negative emotions towards a client, it says something about us, and can be used as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

I enjoy playing the guitar, traveling, hiking, backpacking, doing yoga, working out, and I have to admit, I have an affinity for video games. 

What's something about you that would surprise most people?

I was a soldier in another life. 

Anything else you'd like to add?

This is my dream job. I look forward to getting to know all the great people in this amazing organization, and in the process, making a positive contribution to EA as a whole. 

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