LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Natasha Faircloth was nominated by her principal, John Goode.

Ms. Faircloth states that prior to finding her true calling in education, her journey started after graduating from Clinton High School in 1996. She pursued a degree in business administration from Fayetteville State University, with a minor in Banking and Finance. After graduating, she began working at the State Employees ‘Credit Union phone center in Raleigh NC. She wasn't completely satisfied, and wanted more social interaction with the public. Months later, she joined the American General Finance Company, where she continued building her career. Even though she gained more experience and was eager to help people, something was still missing.

Two years into her career as a Loan Officer, Ms. Faircloth was approached in a general conversation about working with children with possible behavior issues. This job gave her the flexibility to work one on one in the community as a mentor to  children and their families.  At this point, she would assist in supporting children struggling with social, emotional, and extreme behavioral issues in the home, community, and school.  She had never thought about the possibility of supporting children as a CBS professional (community-based professional).  Most of the children were aged 5 to 18 and lacked social skills, so as a one-to-one professional, she supported their engagement in community settings. 

Ms. Faircloth found herself emotionally connected to these families and children. These children and their plights occupied her heart and mind. She wanted to do everything possible to make sure they thrived and survived in their environment because their environment -  in her eyes - should not define who they were.

After five years, Ms. Faircloth found herself working for the Partnership for Children of Sampson County as a Parents as Teachers educator. She also worked for Charles E Perry Elementary School in Sampson County School System as a teacher assistant in the Exceptional Children Department. SCPFC was an amazing experience for her. She was given the opportunity to connect with families on a more intimate level.  She assisted parents, grandparents and foster parents with understanding young children. 

Sometimes, parents did not understand how their children developed on all domains starting with physical, motor, cognitive, and language development.  Ms. Faircloth provided home visitation services to assist parents in recognizing and supporting their children’s overall development.  She promoted literacy awareness in the home, by providing stimulating activities that encouraged parents to create, as well as games that fostered relationship-building and created an environment that allowed children to explore. One of the most powerful moments she recalls was a parent talking to her about what their children have begun to do at each stage of development.

Within the organization, Ms. Faircloth was given the task of working with pregnant teenagers in Sampson County.  She wanted to help these young girls understand the importance of raising a child who is both socially and emotionally stable, even with their youthful perspective. She encouraged them daily to do and be better for their child and themselves.  Ms. Faircloth felt like she found her purpose in life - to continue to inspire, encourage, provide support, and build positive relationships with her students. She strives to give hope to those who are hopeless.

Over the years, she has seen many broken children. She has seen children who were physically and psychologically abused.  She always tells her students that they have a voice, and they are not defined by their zip code, race, or religion. They are so much more, and they are enough.

"Each year, we hear from countless students who speak of the hope, encouragement, and courage they gain from their time with Ms. Faircloth," said Goode. "It is for this reason that we believe she is deserving of this recognition."