Name: Halea Pacula
Job Title: Field Training Specialist for the Northern Service Area
Where do you hail from:
I grew up in a smaller town called Hutchinson, KS. I attended high school in an even smaller town called Nickerson, KS and attended Nickerson High School. After graduating high school I attended one year in Lawrence, KS at University of Kansas. I became very home sick so I moved to Wichita, KS which is about 40 minute drive from my hometown Hutchinson, KS. In Wichita, I then attended Wichita State University where I later graduated in 2013. In 2014, I decided to move to Nebraska!
What is it they say you do:
February 5th of this year was my first day with CCFL! So I am pretty new to this game. So far what I can tell you about what they say I do as a Field Training Specialist my primary job is to guide new (DHHS) Child and Family Services Specialist Trainees through their training process. I ensure they are able to connect their online/classroom training with their field experiences. I also accompany them in the field when they are completing case management tasks and working with families. Another part of my role is to provide the Trainees and their supervisor with feedback regarding the Trainee’s performance.
Who are your early influences/who inspired you most:
I would say without a doubt my mother is my biggest influence and inspiration! My mother has always been the stability in my life. No matter how hard or difficult things got she was always there to make things better with a smile. Growing up was rough and even though none of it was due to the fault of my mother she was always the one who had to pick up all the pieces for us. I feel like she is the strongest woman I know. I hope to be the woman and mother she is for my children. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.
What is your passion/what you are drawn to/what motivates you/where do you hope to be in five years:
I have always been passionate about helping others in any capacity. I worked in multiple health care settings, including nursing homes, clients' homes, hospice and hospitals for a total of 7 years. Once I graduated from college, my path changed to a more community outreach based position. I then found a new passion for helping others in a different way- connecting individuals to the community. I would say what motivates me is helping others to succeed. Whether that be guiding them to their options, helping them find resources available to them, or just letting them know I am available if they need me. I truly believe there is a solution to everything, you just have to know how to find it or where to look and that’s what I love helping others do. I see myself in 5 years still in a role helping others, preferably with CCFL! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Family life/hobbies /community involvement: My family consists of myself, my husband Dave, my daughter Maddelyn (4) and in September baby Pacula will arrive! As a family we enjoy camping, going to the lake, attending local farmer’s markets and going to the park. I enjoy gardening, grilling, cooking and just being outdoors. Our family really enjoys staying busy, experiencing new adventures together and making memories!
The quotation I live my life by is...... Focus on what you can change and the things you can’t change, let go.