Leadership Spotlight: Melody King
This month, our Leadership Spotlight is focused on our Assistant Executive Director, Melody King! Her positive disposition and passion for her work are hugely valuable to our organization, and we're excited to shine a light on such a deserving individual. Read on to learn about her background, the advice she'd give to someone interested in working with youth in foster care, and her hidden talent!
What drove your interest in working in this industry, and later EA Family Services?
My passion has always been working with children and families. As a school counselor, I found it frustrating to work with children and then send them back to the home environments that remained unchanged. I saw an ad online for a social worker position in Marysville, and because I have family in the area and wanted to live nearby, it was a perfect fit.
During my interview, I was excited to learn I'd be able to support children and families alike, and as they say, the rest is history! I've stayed with the company for almost 20 years because of their devotion to helping people.
Are there any experiences you had early in life that contributed to your success with EA Family Services?
My parents valued family time, whether it be family dinners, road trips, or just experiencing life together. I believe that's what's motivated me to want to help others build healthy relationships. I believe all children should feel safe, loved, and valued.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working with youth in foster care?
Celebrate the small successes every day, and don't take other people's negativity personally. Most of all, don't give up! Working with kids can be the most challenging and rewarding work. I love that our EA team has so much positive impact on families, children, and young adults.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?
I love to read, go for walks, and spend time with my family. We like traveling, outdoor activities, and watching movies. On an average day after work you'll find me cooking dinner with my husband, helping my 12-year old daughter with homework and forcing her to practice piano, and wrangling my 5-year old daughter (who's normally tormenting the cats). If you've ever called me after hours, you probably heard some of that in the background.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I love to play the piano, but I hate to perform, so that's definitely a hidden talent. At one point I could play the cello, but it's been so long I'm not sure I can claim that anymore.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm grateful that I get to work with this incredible team of people every day. I heard somewhere that "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life," and that's definitely true most days with EA.