PYSK: Paula Fleming
Vice President, Central Missouri Region, Boys & Girls Town of Missouri
AGE: 44
JOB DESCRIPTION: Boys & Girls Town of Missouri is a statewide organization. As the vice president for central Missouri, I serve in the capacity of an executive director for the region. I am responsible for the development and oversight of all programs and services offered in central Missouri. Programs currently include residential adolescent treatment, transitional living group home and community outreach services.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: My family and I moved from Moberly to Columbia in August 2003.
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: My father is a retired school administrator. As his professional career transitioned from teacher and coach to principal and, eventually, superintendent, my family relocated. I spent my elementary school years living in the historic community of Nauvoo, Ill. My family moved to Trenton, Mo., when I was 13 and remained there until I graduated from high school in 1981. My family then moved to Moberly, Mo., where I lived until my husband and I moved to Columbia in 2003. Most of my family now lives in the central Missouri area, and my husband and I truly consider Columbia our home.
EDUCATION: I am what some educators may consider a “late bloomer.” After graduating from high school, I attended Moberly Area Community College obtaining, an associate’s degree in general studies. It was not until many years later that I returned to complete my undergraduate degree in psychology at Northeast Missouri State University (now known as Truman State). I then went on to complete both master’s and doctoral degrees in educational and counseling psychology at the University of Missouri – Columbia.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Network. I am involved with the Columbia Area United Way, and I am a Girl Scout leader for Brownie Troop 417.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have worked for Boys & Girls Town of Missouri for two years. Prior to coming to Boys & Girl Town, I work for a similar agency as the vice president of treatment. My résumé also includes tenure at William Woods University, where I served as the director of counseling services. I am licensed as a professional counselor and hold DESE certification as a school psychologist.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE: Someone I personally admire is Teresa Maledy. To me she exemplifies the qualities of a true leader. Her level of community involvement is one to which most of us can only aspire. Teresa is a member of the regional board of trustees and serves on the capital campaign committee for the central region of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri. Through her relationship with our agency, I have learned that Teresa has a very special place in her heart for the children we serve. She is a wonderful role model.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I am passionate about my job because I am passionate about kids! There are many children whose lives are severely impacted by abuse, neglect and various other forms of trauma. While this is a fact that many people do not like to think about, it is a harsh reality in all of our communities. Working for Boys & Girls Town provides me with opportunities to not only touch the lives of individual children but to also have an impact on legislative policies that improve the quality of life for all of Missouri’s children and families. I hear so many people say that they would like to “make a difference” or “change the world.” I feel so blessed to be working for an agency that is truly making a difference.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: When I was growing up, I always dreamed about being a veterinarian. I am not sure exactly what happened to that desire. I still love animals, but I am also a firm believer in the concept that things tend to happen for a reason. I absolutely love what I do for a living and cannot imagine doing anything else.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME: The biggest obstacle I face as a professional is not one to be “overcome” but one that requires reaching a delicate balance. It is the ongoing challenge of meeting the responsibilities of both a family and a career. I believe maintaining this balance is a struggle for all dual career families and one that every couple addresses in their own unique way. My husband and I are partners in the truest sense of the word. We share the responsibilities at home and respect each other’s professional obligations.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Since coming to Boys & Girls Town of Missouri in August 2005, I have been intimately involved in the agency’s Central Missouri Capital Campaign. This $3.5 million project will provide the funding necessary to complete renovations to the Columbia campus. The campus currently serves 24 area children and youth in a residential treatment program. When fully renovated, the residential capacity will double. With continued support from the community, we hope to reach our goal by the end of the year.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: It is definitely not something that you can leave at the office. Working with emotionally and behaviorally challenged children, most of whom are suffering from the effects of abuse and neglect, requires an enormous amount of patience, energy and just old-fashioned determination. What is unique about residential care is that we are responsible for these children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Boys & Girls Town is never “closed.” We share our lives with these children and their families. We experience their pain, their sorrows and their disappointments. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we also get to share in the successes, and there are many. For me, there is nothing more professionally rewarding than watching a child succeed.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Spending time with my family. My husband and I recently purchased some property a couple miles from town. We have been spending the weekends clearing fields and mowing. Call me crazy, but there is something about physical labor that I find relaxing. I love spending time outdoors. I also like to drive the tractor.
FAMILY: My husband, and best friend, Matthew Fleming, is the vice president for sales and marketing at Midway USA in Columbia. Our oldest daughter, Whitney, will be a senior at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, this fall. Our son, Trett, is a recent graduate of Rock Bridge High School and plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia. Our youngest, Faith, is looking forward to being a second-grader. I am very proud of all of them.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: My husband and I frequently take advantage of all the wonderful restaurants we have in Columbia. We enjoy the Katy Trail. We live in very quiet neighbor close to Twin Lakes Recreational Area. I guess I would have to say one of my favorite places is my own screened-in porch!
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Completing my doctoral degree. Going back to school as a non-traditional student and a parent was difficult. It took me a long time to complete my education. It is something I am very proud of.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT: I am a country girl at heart… but I guess the comment about the tractor probably gave that away.