Behind the Flame: Jordyn
Our Behind the Flame blog series spotlights the team that brings our mission to life all across Adventist HealthCare each and every day.
Meet Jordyn
Jordyn serves as the lead teacher for the Therapeutic Nursery Program at Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness. Our specialized preschool supports 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children whose social and emotional challenges make it difficult to thrive in traditional early childhood settings. With compassion, purpose, and unwavering commitment, Jordyn helps young learners build the emotional foundation they need to succeed.
Q&A with Jordyn
We recently sat down with Jordyn to learn more about her time at Adventist HealthCare.
Why The Lourie Center?
Until I came across The Lourie Center, I had never heard of a program focused on children’s social and emotional well-being. I grew up in an area where children were labeled as “bad” if they didn’t listen and/or showed certain behaviors. To find a place that doesn’t label children but instead seeks to understand the root of their big feelings and behaviors was eye-opening. I knew immediately it was something I wanted to be part of.
How long have you been at The Lourie Center?
I have been at The Lourie Center for a year now.
What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
I can play the saxophone.
What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?
Never use someone else’s reasoning for why you’ve entered your field. Find your who, what, when, where, why and how, and then make it happen!
When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
I always think about what I would’ve wanted for myself as a child, and the impact I make by giving my all and doing my job well.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
I listen to classical music in the car to lift my spirits on tough days.
What is a fun fact about you that may surprise people?
I can teach puppies basic commands: sit, lay down, roll over, high five, etc.
What has been your favorite project you have worked on?
A few years ago, I attended a National ESEA conference for families and children [The National ESEA Conference, formerly the National Title I Association, is intentionally aimed at coordination among federal education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and other federal programs.] I was the lead instructor for the children’s group and oversaw lessons and activities while their parents attended the conference sessions. That will always be my favorite project because it sparked my interest in children’s social and emotional development. Even though it wasn’t a mental health event, the level of support my team and I provided was truly outstanding.
