Meet the Child Care Council Staff

Introducing Cynthia M.

Belinda @ Kids Matter

Cynthia, born in New Orleans, made her way to the great state of Kentucky 22 years ago. She has been employed with the CCC for two years as an Eligibility Specialist. She serves the counties of Logan, Todd, and Simpson. I asked what brought Cynthia to the CCC. She replied, “I worked as a Substitute Teacher in Logan County for nine years. Even though my degrees were in Early Child Education and Education, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to end up. When given the opportunity to apply with the CCC, I put a lot of thought into it. I loved working with the children at school. When I was interviewed, I knew this was going to be THE career for me.”

Cynthia was raised in Louisiana by her mom and Ralph, her stepfather who adopted her. She was recently reunited with her biological father, Clarence. When asked about her home life as a child she said, “I did not live with any of my siblings growing up, but I had an older sister who I lost last October to breast cancer. I have a younger sister, as well, who lives in Louisiana where my birth father lives. I also have an older sister, who is my mom’s biological child that she gave up for adoption, and lives in Chattanooga, TN. We were reunited 16 years ago.”

Her home life today consists of a recently single, Cynthia, and her daughter, Caitlyn Danielle, who is 22 years old. She said of her daughter, “She is the greatest gift I have ever been given!” She said the master of their house is their eight year old cat, Taz, who has been her saving grace for the past four years, since her mom’s passing.

Education has played a huge role in Cynthia’s life. When asked about the schools she attended and the degrees she earned she stated, “I attended kindergarten at Delta Heritage Academy in Buras, LA, and then transferred to Buras High School for 1st-12th grade and was the Rifle Corp Captain. I graduated in 1985. I attended Molar Beauty College in Marrero, LA, and obtained my Cosmetology Degree in 1992. In 2004, I completed my degrees of AAS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and AAS in Education at Hopkinsville Community College. In 2008, I completed my degrees of AA, AS, and my State Director’s License in Child Care at Hopkinsville Community College. I also completed my junior year at Murray State University for a BS in Elementary Education. Due to family issues, I decided to delay the completion of my degree. I will be returning to college in the spring at Lipscomb University in Nashville.”

Education lit a powerful passion in her, and has led to many accomplishments. She said, “My passion in life is giving back and serving others. I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have been a member since 2002. I have served as Chapter and Regional Officer. I won the 2007 International Orlowski Award.  I have served as the President of the Kentucky Regional Alumni Association for six years and am the current Kentucky Regional Liaison. I serve on the Alumni Advisory Council and Alumni Mentor Committee through Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters located in Jackson, MS. Recently, I Chartered my first Regional Alumni Association in TN and they made me the TN Regional Alumni Association Advisor. Even my vacations are actually times where I served others by attending Phi Theta Kappa conventions, conferences, and workshops, to teach others about programming, assist with events, or just fellowship.  I also serve on the Logan County Relay for Life Committee as the Sponsorship Chair. Having lost several members of my family to cancer, it is important for us to give back and help raise money to help others celebrate more birthdays!”

Obtaining such achievements takes great dedication, focus, will-power, and concentration but that’s not where it leaves off. July 17, 2013, Cynthia hit 319 pounds. It was at that point she made the decision that enough was enough and began to challenge herself to lose weight. Today, she weighs in at a slim 182 pounds. Losing 137 pounds in a years’ time, is definitely something to be proud of. She is a real go getter and inspiration to us all. Congrats on your accomplishments, Cynthia!

Cynthia’s advice on raising children is to love them, teach them, help them, and always encourage them to reach for the stars. Teach them to always have great dedication and focus on the required goals needed to help them see where they have been and where they are going.