Early Learning Centers of Lubbock

Name: Joanne Cotter
27 Years with the Agency:
27 of Years in Non-Profit Work:
Hometown: Grew up in Albuquerque.
College: Trinity University and Texas Tech University
Major(s): Religion from Trinity, Education from TTU

Past Jobs before you were in Non-Profit Work: Medical assistant in a family doctor's office, customer service at LP&L, stay at home mom

Family: Married for 26 years to Paul Cotter who works at TTU, daughter Melody who lives in Snyder, TX with her family, son David who lives in Kansas City with his family. Between them, we have 5 grandchildren and will soon have a 6th.

Pets: Two dogs and one cat

What are the most important rewards in your career and why did you choose it? In 1981, I was a divorced parent with 2 young children. I enrolled my children at ELC while I finished my teaching certificate at TTU. I came to ELC, because I couldn't afford anywhere else, but soon came to love and appreciate the opportunities they gave me and my children. When I was given the chance to work as a director for ELC, I knew this was where I wanted to work. I hoped to make a difference in the lives of other families, and this is why I still work here. Seeing other parents and children thrive is the greatest reward.

What are your interests outside of work? Reading, spending time with friends, family and grandchildren, walking our dogs, travel

What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why? Working at a nonprofit for 27 years gives me great satisfaction. Every day is different and I never know what problem we may have to solve or what blessing we might receive. Enabling families to succeed and building relationships with community members, volunteers and donors are both very rewarding.

Who is your hero? I have two heroes - my mom and my dad. They grew up during the Depression in Colorado. My mom was raised on a small dairy farm and my dad was sent to live on a ranch after his parents' divorce. Although they both became teachers, my dad also pursued an art career. In 1940, he was hired by Walt Disney Studios as an animator, where he worked on Bambi and Fantasia. During WWII, my dad joined the Army and my mom was in the first group of Navy WAVES to be trained as officers. They were married in 1943, but continued to serve in separate locations for the duration of the war. By the 1960's, my dad was well known as a very talented western artist, while my mom handled the business affairs. They are my heroes, because neither had an easy life and had many hardships while growing up. Some people allow a difficult childhood to negatively influence their adult lives. However, my mom and dad both served their country, raised 4 children successfully, and operated a western art business, for which my father's work was nationally recognized. My mom and dad were the most fair, honest and ethical people I have known. Whenever I am faced with a difficult decision, I am always guided by what my dad or mom would have done in a similar situation.

What two or three things are most important to you in your job? Besides the reward of seeing families succeed, I am proud to say that I work every day with my best friends. Between our 10 administrators, we have 161 years experience at ELC and we each have demanding jobs. However, we also take time to laugh, joke, celebrate occasions, and support each other through tough times. Having such a wonderful team is not something I take for granted.

I also enjoy and am grateful for each and every board member we currently have and those who have served over the years. ELC has been blessed with many caring and contributing individuals who have made a huge difference to our community by serving on our board.

Where is your favorite place you have been on vacation and why? My favorite place to vacation is California. I usually go once a year with extended family and we have a great time, especially with our grandchildren. We like to go to the beach, to Disneyland, to museums, historical places and more.

Early Learning Centers of Lubbock

Administrative Office
1639 Main Street
Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: (806) 765-9981
Fax: (806) 741-0503
Executive Director: Joanne Cotter
www.elclubbock.org

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Sharon Hyde Bass - Volunteer Center of Lubbock

Carmen Aguirre - Children's Advocacy Center

Bryan Moffitt - Family Counseling Services

Amy Paiva - Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Cindy Miller - Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Tom Vermillion - Boys & Girls Club

Fritzi Cates - Women's Protective Services

Jeff Malpiede - Catholic Family Services