Lori McHenry

February 2004

My name is Lori McHenry. I am 33 and married (Kevin). I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Currently, we don’t have any children. However, our plans include children in the near future. In the meantime, I have gained childcare experience from my three beautiful nieces (Stacey, Kourtney, and Sanaya) and two handsome nephews (Jaylin and Montreal). God has truly blessed me. I also have a supportive family and a host of friends.
After completing high school, I had my eyes on the prize of obtaining a degree in the field of Criminal Justice. That wasn’t easy. I’m not talking about the course work – I’m speaking about the art of staying focused. Miami-Dade Community College was a breeze. During a brief stay at Florida State University, I began to lose the clear view of my prize. Can you say, “Party over here, party over there?” To make a long story short, I was placed on a year’s academic probation.
I went back home embarrassed and ashamed. This was a pivotal moment in my life. I had no choice but to turn to the work force. I got a job at Publix Supermarket as a cashier for the summer. When fall began, I enrolled at Florida International University. Two years later I earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Miami-Dade County Corrections hired me as a Correctional Counselor at Turner Guildford Knight Correctional Facility during the day. At night, I taught Adult Basic Education at the Women’s Annex Correctional Facility. I worked the two jobs for about five months.

first aid kit refills . Prices for log vinyl siding.

October 1994, I was hired as a Correctional Probation Officer for the State of Florida. Finally, a job with health benefits and a retirement plan. That career was extremely fulfilling in the beginning, but it became monotonous. I decided I wanted more. At which time, I interviewed for Correctional Probation Senior Officer and earned the position. Eventually, this career became depressing and scary. Most of the probationers would reoffend and there was a huge amount of accountability. When they reoffended, the probation officer was to blame. It was only through the grace of God that I never experienced that type of situation.
During my five years with the state I noticed that many of the probationers had one thing in common. Most had learning disabilities. This is when I decided to resume my career as an educator. I earned my M.S. in Varying Exceptionalities (Special Education).
Fall 1999, I resigned from the State of Florida and was hired as a teacher at Miami Carol City Senior High School. It is a challenging and rewarding career. I’m thinking of continuing my education to obtain a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Wish me luck.
That’s enough of the professional aspect of my life; I have been a member of South Florida Sisterfriends since its conception. I’m glad my sister/president asked me to join. It took us a bit of time to find a group of dedicated women committed to the betterment of this organization, but we did it. This has been a positive and uplifting experience. If it weren’t for this wonderful group of ladies, I would have zero community involvement. It is truly time to, “Get busy living, or get busy dying,” Morgan Freeman – Shawshank Redemption.