Helping children is Medders’ motto

As hordes of youngsters flooded the hallway leading to the Glenrock Boys and Girls Club check in station at Glenrock Intermediate School Tuesday afternoon, Maurica Medders kept her composure.
A glitch in the computer system was causing an inconvenience for checking everyone in and energetic children bounced up and down around her while waiting in line.
The hallway soon filled with dozens of chatty voices, telling Medders all about their recent involvement in a school play, what happened at school that day, and various other details of their daily lives.
She was in her element.
Her entire life has been devoted to working with children from all walks.
“I’ve always loved children,” she said. “The second I was allowed to babysit, I did.”
Medders has known for quite a while that working with children was her calling. Even in her younger years, she was involved with the afterschool club, as her mother Connie Schroefel was the Boys and Girls Club Director of the North Casper Branch.
“I’ve always been passionate with children and interacting with children on a more personal level,” she said.
She started volunteering for The Arc of Natrona County when she was 15, and continues helping out with that organization to this day.
Growing up in Casper, Medders graduated from Natrona County High School and later earned her bachelors in elementary education with an endorsement in Early Childhood from the University of Wyoming in 2011.
Before coming to the local club, Medders worked as a social services worker for the Department of Family Services and as a case manager for Wyoming Medicaid in the Department of Health.
When the opportunity arose to come serve as director for the Boys and Girls Club, she jumped at the new career venture.
“They’re a wonderful movement,” Medders said of the Boys and Girls Club. “Their philosophy, culture and environment is very nurturing and rewarding for children and staff as well.”
Now settled into her new role, she is eager for what looms in the future.
“I’m inspired and ready to get hands-on with the kiddos,” she said. “We want a safe and nurturing environment for them and to make a positive impact in a child’s life. Even if I help one kid that’s my goal in this life.”
She currently oversees an average of 45 children a day and four staff members. She is also responsible for bringing in programming for the club and planning future trips they will take.
And she’s thrilled about each and every piece of her job description.
“It’s not a job, it’s a family,” she said. “I can honestly say I’m humbled that this is my calling.”
Jessica Baxter, vice president of operations, is also pleased to have Medders on board and leading the charge for the club.
“We’re just really excited for the new changes we see coming with Maurica on board,” Baxter said. “She brings a wealth of experience and passion. The Boys and Girls Club is really blessed to have her.”