I found my passion in 1986 while volunteering in a local neighborhood nursing home. I drove by the center to and from work each day and one afternoon felt compelled to stop in and offer my assistance to the elders there. Things just clicked after that and have been clicking ever since.
Studies in creative art and advertising with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree were a natural bridge to my leadership roles in health and social services. Through twenty years of progressive executive leadership, my affinity for the elderly expanded into a desire to make a positive impact throughout my local and regional community.
I am known for community collaboration and building high performing teams that can get things done. Recognizing the importance of a unified team vision, I received formal training as a skilled practitioner in Gallup Employee Engagement techniques.
It’s been rewarding to experience several “firsts” in my career, guiding energetic teams who are looking to the future. As director of the Glendale Adult Day Health Center, I was the first to design a program featuring art, music, movement, physical and occupational therapies that reached dozens of community members with traumatic brain injury and memory loss. Another first was leading a team in developing Kindervention, a unique, inclusive preschool for children with developmental delay that provided a specialized curriculum led by skilled early interventionists.
I haven’t exactly left my first love. I will continue to volunteer whenever possible for functions such as the Autism Academy’s Sensitive Santa event or managing the registration booth for a local non-profit’s annual gala. When I can sneak away from the crowds, I enjoy settling in behind my personal computer to peck away at a series of fictional adventure stories. Along with coauthor and husband, Kenny Cole, I hope to have the book ready for publishing soon.
I am excited to be joining the compassionate, impressive team at the Sedona Community Center. For whatever stage of life that people may be, I find great personal fulfillment in providing that link or resource towards a richer and fuller future for them. I look forward to working with the team to find ways to enhance and add even more value to the already vital services that the SCC provides to the Sedona community.
Please stop by soon. I’d love to meet you!
Brenda Redel,
Executive Director
