How long have you worked at Edenton Street? 

Since October 2010.

What’s your favorite thing about working here?

I love my teammates!  What a strong, talented, fun group of people.  Every single one of them.  Second…It’s great being downtown.  The environment is lively and energetic.  And third, I love my office!  It looks over the columbarium and flowers, receives bright afternoon sun, and the bells ring every 15 minutes.  It’s amazing how quickly 15 minutes go by.   

What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you here?

For the first week, each day I walked up the stairs to the second floor and walked straight into the restroom at the top of the stairs.  It wasn’t until I was heading out one morning when a man walked in and I realized it was the men’s room…

Where were you born and raised?

Born in Redding CA.  Moved to Oxford, MS, when I was seven.  Then to DeQueen, AR, when I was 14 and to Marshfield, WI, when I was 15.  So, I was mostly raised in the south and went to high school in Wisconsin.

Where did you go to school?

The University of Washington out in Seattle.

Who is in your family?

Mark and I have been married for 21 years.  I’m mom to Lindsey, Gabe, and Adria who are 18, 16, and 14. 

Any pets?

Dottie is our dog.  Part Aussie, part Lab, part mutt, my running partner.  Speckles and Lala are our cats.  And we have a yellow parakeet named Kelly.  Did you know parakeets live for 15-20 years??  (We didn’t know this when we got her.)

What is most important about your work at Edenton Street?

My greatest desire is to make a difference.  I believe we all want to make a difference.  Yet, many of us have a hard time finding our place of service and impact.  We are creating a process to help people come to know themselves better, take steps to get involved in the work of the kingdom, and gain inspiration to act.

What two people have most influenced you?

My husband has challenged me and changed me.  He’s helped me rein in my spontaneity (um, impulsiveness) and given me freedom to follow my heart.  One of my former pastors, Rick, saw gifts in me, modeled commitment, vision, and fun, and changed the direction of my life.

What are your favorite books, movies or songs?

Radical by David Platt has taken hold of me.  I love funny movies.  My all-time favorites are The Grinch, and The Master of Disguise.  I laugh just thinking about them!  My favorite music is from back in the day… Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye.  And I also love Diana Krall.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Running and napping.

If you weren’t working at Edenton Street, what would your profession be?

I would be a trainer and facilitator.  I love delivering personal development training and leading groups through a process of discerning mission and vision.  This is the work I did prior to joining ES and still do on occasion.

What’s your favorite food?

Seafood.  Especially steamed oysters.  And salmon.  And scallops. 

What do you order when you go to Starbucks?

Venti red eye. 

What did your parents call you when you were in trouble?

CARLIN JODY MCCLARY!

Email Carlin