CIS of Mid-America #StaffSpotlight – Alix Helms

Today’s #StaffSpotlight highlights Student Support Coordinator and Employee of the Month for January, Alix Helms! When Alix was nominated for employee of the month, her nominator said, “Alix is kind, dependable, smart, innovative, and hard-working. Whenever I’ve asked her for help with anything Excel or data-related items, she is quick to respond and goes above and beyond to help me. She has such a great attitude about her work and is clearly passionate about our agency’s mission.”

We asked Alix some questions to get to know her better. Read on to see her answers!

  • What are 3 words to describe CIS of Mid-America?
    • Intentional
    • Inspiring
    • Restorative
  • What is your favorite thing about working at Communities In Schools of Mid-America?
    • Working in the background, my favorite thing is seeing the genuine love and passion from each of the staff for the kids and families we work with. It’s not a front that is put on, but instead, CIS intentionally hires people who deeply care about the mission.
  • What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?
    • Whether you’re struggling with grades, relationships, etc., your presence matters & is so valuable. I think it’s so easy – especially in our society – to believe that our outcomes or circumstances dictate our value as a human. You are doing the best you can do with what you have!
  • What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
    • TEA😊
  • What is your favorite line from a movie?
    • One of my favorite lines is from ‘We Bought A Zoo’: “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery…”
  • Where is your favorite place to be?
    • My all-time favorite place to be is on a lake!
  • Which cartoon character would you most like to switch lives with?
    • I’d love to switch lives with anyone from the Hundred Acre Woods & befriend Winnie the Pooh.
  • If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
    • I would learn the trade of old fashion woodworking. The process of creating something out of nothing is just so beautiful & intriguing to me. Plus, you can’t beat the smell of fresh sawdust!
  • If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you bring?
    • A snorkel set – if I’m stuck, I might as well have some fun!
    • A hammock – for comfort.
    • A water bottle – for necessity.
  • You’re hosting a dinner party. Who are the 3 people, living or dead, who you would invite?
    • Martin Luther King Jr.
    • C.S. Lewis
    • Jonsi (musician)