Blair Family { Dothan Neighbors }

Have you ever known that the person you just met was beyond ordinary? That was my experience when I first me the Blair family face to face. Dionne and I had spoken briefly by phone to plan her session the week prior to our session. I had been told by my friend Melanie that “you are gonna love Dionne!”

As I stepped out of my car, we began to chat. Dionne is a principle of one of our Dothan City elementary schools. I told her I didn’t envy her at all in light of all the challenges the schools were facing due to Covid. That very week, the schools had to switch to some virtual days because of staffing shortages. I couldn’t fathom how taxing that must be to an administrator. Most would have expected to hear how hard or stressful it has been.

Much to my surprise, the words that rolled out of Dionne’s mouth were, ” You know what? When you have a great team, it make things a lot easier!” She never once complained. Quite the opposite fo the expected response, she praised her staff. I knew then exactly why Melanie said I would love her. And although we had just met, I was sure that Dionne is a great leader and most likely well respected by those who work with her.

As I chatted with her children, it was obvious that her work wasn’t the only place she leads well. Austin, a student at Auburn University and Aubree, a high school sophomore were a just as much of a delight as their mom. I have no doubt that they will be just as successful as she is in whatever they pursue.