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2009 Most Influential Women Honoree: Sister Ann Crouse

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From a Sisters of Mercy gathering nearly 20 years ago that focused on the needs of the poor, especially women and children, Sister Ann Crouse had the dream of starting a center focused on wholeness and wellness.

"From 1991 on, the dream continued to linger in my heart," Crouse said. "I pondered the ways in which the dream could become a reality. I believe that God puts the right people in your life at the right time."

For Crouse, that happened while she was serving at the Missouri Hotel, and her mentor - a Southern Baptist pastor - encouraged her to consider ways to reach a broader population.

"The dream was speaking to me though other people. In 1999, I left the Missouri Hotel to venture into the unknown of allowing the dream to become real. So in August 1999, I initiated the beginning work of what is now McAuley Counseling Services Inc.," said Crouse, who is executive director.

A month later, Crouse, then 62, learned she had breast cancer and would require surgery. But that didn't deter her from pursuing her passion, and McAuley Counseling Services is now in its 10th year. The nonprofit has grown to include a board of directors, working committees, licensed psychologists, a social worker, a part-time development director and volunteers.

"The program has provided more than 17,000 counseling sessions serving individuals and families from over seven counties in southwest Missouri," Crouse said. "That was Part One of my dream. I am now looking at Part Two of the dream, which would allow for a building with a garden, play area for children, massage therapy as well as mental-health services."

When Crouse entered Sisters of Mercy in 1955, she thought she would spend her life in the classroom. While she has remained an educator, her classroom has extended beyond the traditional bricks and mortar of a school building. In addition to her work at McAuley, Crouse has been a teacher; school principal; diocesan family life director; family counselor and adult educator at The Kitchen Inc.; and family counselor and director of educational workshops at the Missouri Hotel.

Giving to others is a theme in Crouse's life. Her mentoring efforts include personal growth and development workshops for groups and programs and retreats aimed at developing leaders.

Crouse also has participated in numerous Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce events and is active with Partners for a Better Tomorrow, which works to spread awareness of agencies and programs that can help southwest Missouri individuals and families.

"The measurement of success comes through recognizing one's talents and abilities and living to the fullest the conviction of those gifts," she explains. "Over the years, I have been very fortunate in having mentors in different stages of my life. My personal philosophy in life is to give back to society what I have received. My role in influencing the success of others is by journeying with people in the role of mentor as they gain their own self-actualization."[[In-content Ad]]
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