Employee Spotlight: Barbara
We’re shining a spotlight on team members at Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness.
Meet Barbara
Barbara Witt is a development specialist and clinical supervisor with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program (MCITP). MCITP serves as a hub for early intervention services, supporting children from birth to 34.5 months of age and their families. It’s just one of the many impactful programs offered at The Lourie Center. Dive in to learn more about Barbara’s inspiring work and her vital role in helping children and families thrive.
Employee Q&A with Barbara
How long have you been at The Lourie Center?
20 years and I will be retiring this year!
Why The Lourie Center?
When I was in graduate school, The Lourie Center was the premier agency to get an internship with and hopefully you would be able to get a job upon graduation.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I was in banking for 10 years prior to going to Catholic University for social work. I didn’t see myself working for the bank forever. I was a volunteer for a variety of organizations and through those opportunities, I was able to determine that I loved working with young children and their families.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Identify a mentor. Find your helper, as Mr. Rogers always said.
When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
Sometimes it’s drinking a lot of coffee! Mostly, the families I serve are big motivators, it really fuels me.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is that I don’t become afraid when taking risks. I think I take even more risks now that I am 64 years old!
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
I bungee jumped from a 200-foot bridge while in New Zealand!
What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people?
My family and I are a foster family for the Lab Rescue of Potomac. We have fostered over 100 pups from six states, including six litters of puppies.
What has been your favorite project that you have worked on?
I was recently asked to be part of the First Steps NICU support group for parents. I loved this opportunity as a former NICU mom myself, to provide support and education to parents navigating this journey.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself or your role?
When you don’t understand something ASK, ASK, ASK questions. Don’t look like you have it all together when you really don’t. Be honest with what you need help with, colleagues respect that.
