Dear Friends of CIR,
In 2003 I was introduced to the child abuse grant world. My first project was the CATTA grant and, on my second week of work I attended a CFIT. A lot has happened in the last 20 years, but one thing that has not changed is my love for the work that is done on these projects. As many of you may know, CIR has a unique culture. We balance hard work on difficult, traumatic content with self-care and staff wellness. Our trainings include information on being trauma informed and CIR lives that model, supporting and honoring staff and trainers by practicing being trauma-informed in our interactions and management styles. Over my time at CIR, I have learned about being a parent who is diligent about safety and learned a lot about how I manage my own well-being and learned to embrace healthy conflict within my team and at home. I am forever grateful for this.
After much deliberation, I have taken a new position and will be leaving CIR this month. My last day is January 23rd. After putting more than 10 years in various positions at CIR, you can imagine how hard this was for me. While I know that CIR will continue to grow and thrive, I feel as though I am leaving my “home”. The team at CIR are an amazing group of people with the heart and passion for work that many people do not understand (or like to discuss). The CIR Board of Directors are supportive and invested in both the work and the people who do the work. It is a very special place.
I want to thank all of you being part of this journey – from participants who share comments on their evaluations to trainers and consultants with whom I have worked – you have and will continue to inspire me.
Natalie Perkins will take on the role of Executive Director. I am excited for the next chapter for CIR and plan to stay as connected as they let me as I cannot imagine my life without CIR in it.
Thank you for all you do for children and families. Our world is a better place because of you.
All my best,
Sonia Sandoval-Edinger
