2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Gretchen Gambon

“It was one of those things where I thought about it (and) I put my résumé in at the last minute. … After the first interview, I thought, ‘I want to do this,’” recalls Gambon, executive director of Isabel’s House.

A project of the Junior League of Springfield, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks – the official name of the nonprofit Isabel’s House – provides round-the-clock assistance to children 12 and younger whose families are in crisis. The staff-to-child ratio is 1-to-4. “Our whole goal is to keep those children safe,” Gambon says.

With a bachelor’s degree in child and family development from Missouri State University, Gambon has always been involved with youngsters, from working at CoxHealth as a child-life coordinator to her positions as first a facilitator and then a program director at First Steps of Southwest Missouri, to Isabel’s House, where she started in January 2007.

“Children are my passion,” Gambon says.

She considers her work with other like-minded individuals to restore the Missouri First Steps Program after it was cut from the state’s budget as one of her proudest professional accomplishments.

“It was very interesting to be able to have that kind of impact and share my knowledge of the system,” she adds. “That was exciting.”

Gambon believes she’s in a position to educate the public on the importance of civic and community involvement. Much of her work focuses on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

“For example, I am engaged in the Red Wagon (100 Best Community) Committee to support city, state and federal policies to provide (a) safe and healthy community for children,” Gambon says. “I am also involved with the Unto the Third Generation leaders in developing initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect in southwest Missouri.”

Gambon intends to increase the number of children and families Isabel’s House serves so it can continue to help decrease the rate of child abuse and neglect in the Ozarks. Gambon fervently believes that places like Isabel’s House can make a difference in the lives of children and families.

“Being a new organization, we still have a lot to do,” Gambon says about her future plans for Isabel’s House. “I truly believe 150 percent in my heart of all hearts … we are making an impact.”

Double Play

Birth date: Sept. 27, 1971

Family: I have been married to my husband, Mark, for three years. We do not have any children of our own but benefit from the joys of nieces and nephews, as well as our golden retriever, Scout. (Our) parents live close by, so we are able to visit with them often.

Philosophy to live/work by: I always try to do the right thing and be true to my beliefs and values in making a positive impact in people’s lives. When faced with an important or difficult decision, I try to look at all angles and incorporate forward thinking. I believe it is important show people and children compassion and kindness.

In a fantasy world, what professional sport would you play? Golf … which would shock my father as I showed no interest in the sport until well into my 20s.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]