Meet a Mom: Sierra Couch, EVE: End Violent Encounters

GLAMoms is sharing another amazing local mom this week –  Sierra Couch!  Sierra is newer to the Greater Lansing area and she has immersed herself into all the area has to offer!  She is mom to a beautiful little girl, has, “3 big, goofy dogs,” works for a well known non-profit organization, EVE (End Violent Encounters) AND she is a student!  

Learn all about this busy mom, ways her family enjoys the Greater Lansing area and how her work at EVE has laid the foundation for her goals as a nurse once finished with her schooling!

Welcome to Greater Lansing Area Moms, Sierra💚

Photo credit: Love, Ashley Photography

Hi Sierra! Please introduce yourself, where are from and where do you live now?

Hi, my name is Sierra! I am 23 years young, I have 3 big goofy dogs, I am a full-time student and a full-time employee as well!  I am from West Bloomfield, Mi, but moved to Mason in 2019 with my now fiancé!

How did you and your husband meet? We always love a good love story!

My fiancé and I met in 2019 on a dating app called hinge, on our first date I knew he was ‘the one.’ We have since moved in together, had a baby, got engaged, built a house, and so much more! There is no one else I would rather live this chaotic life with.

You’re a mom! Please tell us about your daughter!

My daughter’s name is Aurora and she will be two in July! (Time is a thief!!) She is a spunky, independent, center of attention, caring little kiddo. She brightens up any room she walks into and is sure to get you laughing.

You work with EVE, End Violent Encounters – please explain what EVE is and what you do there!

EVE is a non-profit organization that provides supportive services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and elder abuse. My current position is the Eaton County Sexual Assault Advocate. 

I provide survivor-centered and empowerment-based advocacy to all of my survivors. This can look very different for each client as no two are the same. I do a lot of crisis intervention, personal needs assistance, and tons of research, amongst so many other important things. It is so important to me that my clients feel seen, heard, and believed. 

I am constantly educating myself to further benefit my clients in any way possible.

What is the most rewarding part about working with EVE?

The most rewarding part of working at EVE is the fact that I know, big or small, I am making a difference. My clients inspire me every day with how resilient, strong, and brave they are. I get to be the calm in the storm for some of them and knowing that I can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them where they feel heard and seen is a really great feeling

How do you balance your emotions when working with survivors?

I will be honest, at first, when I started this position I found it really difficult to balance my emotions. There are tons of sad and horrible stories that I hear every day. Thankfully my team knows how important mental health is and we make sure we have someone we can debrief with after a hard meeting or story. My team also makes sure we are all doing self-care to prevent burnout or vicarious trauma. Boundaries are also a key factor in how I am able to maintain a good mental space.

You also have a full time career AND are a student! What type of work do you do? And what are you studying?

I am currently studying to apply to LCC’s nursing program. I want to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. I work very closely with the Forensic, or SANE, nurses at Sparrow as a Medical Advocate Supervisor. They are so inspiring and determined to make a difference. I cannot wait to be a part of their team one day soon!

How do you balance your career, school and being a mom?

Honestly, it can be quite a lot, working, studying, moming. But my partner is so supportive and helpful when it comes to me needing a little extra time to focus on school or work. I try to stick to a set schedule but all of us moms know that the schedules usually go out the window and it turns into a whole-lot of winging it! haha.

Best piece of advice you have received as a mom?

If your child is in a mood, inconsolable, has an attitude, etc, take them outside or put them in the bath. I cannot tell you how many times this piece of advice has come in handy!

What is your favorite Summer family activity to do in the Greater Lansing area?

We love being outdoors! We like to go to all of the different parks in the Greater Lansing area.

What are a few of your favorite restaurants, date night spots, shops in Greater Lansing?

Klavon’s has great pizza, Green Dot Stables has delicious food, and The Daily Scoop in Mason has the best ice cream!

Photo credit: Love, Ashley Photography

Now some FUN ones!

5 Fun Facts about you!

1. I coach a little league cheer team
2. I have a little crafting business. Check it out here: Aurorable Designs
3. I am a pretty good cook
4. I have 7 siblings
5. I have 3 large breed dogs

What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me time”?

My favorite thing to do for me-time is taking a bath, reading a good book, or going shopping!

Last one – Who is your biggest mentor in your life or in your business?

I don’t think it is fair to just pick one mentor because I have so many incredible mentors in my village. Some are my mom, my grandparents, my mother-in-law, my director Sara, my fiancé Matt, and the SANE nurses at Sparrow. 

I wouldn’t be the person or the advocate that I am today without any of them.

Thank you so much for chatting with us today!  Where would you direct GLAMom followers if they would like to get in touch with you or learn more about EVE?

The End Violent Encounters website here – eveinc.org