Leadership Spotlight: Darin Wood

This month we're pleased to feature Darin Wood as our selection for leadership spotlight! Born and raised in Visalia, California, Darin moved to Chico in the mid 90's to pursue a degree in Recreation from Chico State. In the early 00's, he was hired for a position at a group home with Youth for Change, which began his foray into working in the industry. 

"My first day on the job at Youth for Change I watched a kid play with termites and cuss at me for four hours; I was fascinated by it all." 

Darin Wood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read on to learn more about Darin's early life, his advice to anyone interested in a similar career path, and much more!

Were there any experiences in your early life that contributed to your success with EA Family Services? 

I'm not sure that I can put my finger on any specific moments, but I do know that being raised in a family situation that was honest and empowering helped instill accountability for my choices and strong core values. 

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

I believe it's important for those of us who work in the field to embrace the reality that we don't fix kids. Our role is to provide consistent, safe, healthy, and compassionate environments while fostering relationships, so that they can begin to heal and build the necessary skillsets that will allow them to navigate the challenges they'll face along the way.  

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

I like long walks on the beach, eating tacos, sleeping in the dirt, exploring in the desert, fly fishing, the History Channel, watching the Live Aid concert DVD set, taking selfies, house and animal sitting, completing my receipt and mileage logs, getting haircuts, and sitting in front of a fire!

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

Something that might surprise people is that I'm afraid of going over bridges, and that I was drafted out of high school by the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

I really appreciate the sacrifices and commitment that EA staff are constantly making to ensure our families and kids are getting what they deserve.... a high level of emotional support, guidance, and hope for a better tomorrow.   

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