Thaija is a community navigator at the Delaware county Family Resource Center. Thaija was born in Denver, Colorado but has called Muncie her home since she was a baby. Thaija grew up all around Muncie and is now raising her two children on the southside of town with her husband. Thaija graduated from Ivy Tech with her Associates Degree in Applied science in Human services focusing on addiction studies in 2022. Thaija has worked in fields working directly with families from being a Youth Support Specialist, Registered Behavioral Technician, assistant teacher, and now as a community navigator. Thaija choose this career path because growing up her mother was the single mom struggling to make ends meet, now she is raising her own children and knows how hard life can be especially when you may not be aware of the resources available. Thaija wanted to open her own resource hub after graduating college that helped any one in need. Amazingly, she was fortunate enough to learn about the Family Resource Center and how it engages and connects the community with the tools they need to enhance their lives. She wants to be the voice for those that feel alone, overwhelmed, burdened, or just need somewhere safe to turn to. During her free time Thaija enjoys spending time with her husband and children, they do weekly game nights, during the weekend they go to car shows, walk the trails, go camping or anything that will allow us to make memories together. Thaija is working on projects to help families engage with each other and the community, along with a project to get children more involved in reading and writing in their daily lives. Thaija is very excited to progress in the position she currently holds and to see how the work she does helps the families we serve accomplish their goals! Thaija plans to continue her education to obtain her Master’s degree once she gets time in at the facility!