This month, our Executive Director, Kelly Salee, and Girls Group Home Manager, Andria Winstead, had the opportunity to attend the IARCA Leadership Retreat, an event dedicated to strengthening leadership through communication, practical management strategies, and collaboration with peers from across Indiana.
The retreat provided valuable opportunities to learn from experienced speakers, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives that can be brought back to our organization.
Although I wasn't able to attend, I spoke with Andria about her experience and what stood out most to her. One of the highlights was a presentation by leadership speaker Tony Moore, who emphasized the importance of preparing staff to become future leaders by empowering them to make the same decisions a supervisor would make.
For Andria, this message reinforced something she already strives to do with her team. By encouraging staff to think critically and make confident decisions, she is helping them develop the leadership skills they need to succeed—even when a supervisor isn't immediately available. Building confidence and trust within a team not only supports staff growth but also helps ensure the best possible care for the youth we serve.
Another meaningful part of the retreat was the opportunity to connect with leaders from other United Methodist youth homes across Indiana. Kelly and Andria met with Sean McCrindle, CEO of Bashor Children's Home in Goshen, and Rich Lapinski, CEO of Indiana United Methodist Children's Home in Lebanon. These conversations allowed them to share ideas, celebrate successes, and learn from one another's experiences as they continue serving children and families throughout the state.
Professional development opportunities like the IARCA Leadership Retreat remind us that strong leadership is built through continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to grow. Kelly and Andria returned inspired by the experience and are excited to share new ideas and practical strategies with the rest of our staff.
We are grateful for opportunities like these that strengthen our team, invest in our leaders, and ultimately help us provide the highest level of care and support to the youth we serve.
