Community Action is happy to announce the recipient of our 2024 August Staff Spotlight, Health Information Specialist, Mai Kou Xiong!
Her nominator said, "Mai Kou has worked for this agency for 5 years, never requiring recognition or thank you's for her work, but always putting her team and families first! She has multiple Head Start sites and takes time to text families if they are missing health information, even recording children's appointment dates on her own office calendar so she can follow-up if needed! She faxes and refaxes clinics--even calling them--to be able to get physicals, dentals, etc so children do not get suspended and are having the best preventative care possible. When you talk to her about her caseload and families, it is so clear that she really cares that they are happy and well, and that compassion carries over to her work for them and with her teammates.“
We are so grateful to have staff members such as Mai Kou Xiong that exemplify our mission, vision, and values! Recently we caught up with Mai Kou to learn more about her and how she views her role at Community Action.
What is your favorite part about working at CAPRW?
My favorite part about working at CAPRW is being part of a great team with strong communication. I enjoy assisting families and children in keeping their medical records up to date. It’s incredibly rewarding to help get kids’ names off the suspension list, allowing them to attend school without any issues. The satisfaction of seeing children able to continue their education and knowing I’ve played a part in that is truly fulfilling.
Do you have a favorite memory about working with families?
My favorite memory of working with families is during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I had the opportunity to connect with families on a deeper level. My team and I worked tirelessly to call families and inform them about classroom exposures, ensuring they had the information needed to keep their children safe. We also assisted with updating health records, guiding families through quarantine protocols, and supporting those navigating these unprecedented times. The trust and appreciation we received from families and the strengthened sense of community made this period especially impactful and rewarding.
How did you discover your passion for working with children?
I discovered my passion for working with children by reflecting on my experiences as the youngest in my family. Growing up, I always loved babysitting my little cousins and relatives' kids, offering my help whenever I could. I realized that being around children brought me joy, and I found great satisfaction in helping them grow and develop. This early experience ignited my interest and led me to pursue a career where I could continue to support and nurture children’s well-being and growth.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside of work?
I enjoy spending my spare time outdoors with my niece and nephew, as well as hanging out with family. I love to cook and often host gatherings, bringing everyone together for meals and good times. Besides that, I also enjoy playing badminton, a sport I’ve been passionate about since middle school and continue to play regularly.
