Mrs. Strawn coaches middle school cheerleading and is an education aide.
Mrs. Strawn is from Michigan. Where she lived they had no zip code. She grew up in the country. “I grew up in the United States and moving to Asia was very large, and I enjoyed it because there were many people around. I like being around people.” She has traveled to 22 different countries. “I [was] known as an expat, (expatriate) a person who lives outside of their home country.” After all this traveling, Strawn is glad to be back in America.
When she was in Asia she had shared with me that, “I loved living in China and Singapore. I loved living in different countries. We have been welcomed by families in Singapore. They have multi-generational homes. They have a strong community in Asian culture and they take care of their elderly family members.” While she lived in Shanghai, she adopted her dog, Xiao Li from a small shop in Shanghai. She also has a cat named Kitty she rescued from Singapore.
Strawn was brought to CFMS not just for her job, but also for wanting her kids to be in a small town. “I chose Chagrin Falls. I wanted to bring my family to a small town.” Mrs. Strawn has 2 children; twins in the 11th grade. “I applied for the Cheer coach position and accepted it as I felt it would be really fun to be a part of this community.” She had shared that her passion is dance.
Having support from your community is important and it shows they have faith in your ability as a Coach. “You have to be outgoing to live in different places. You have to step outside of your comfort zone.” Others would describe her as: easygoing, caring, nurturing, and encouraging. “I really enjoy learning about other people and what makes them feel comfortable and appreciated. I like to help others, and to be understanding.”
Most people choose their career based on interest. Strawn stated that, “when I was in high school I was captain of the Pom Squad. And that was pretty cool. Pom is similar to cheerleading. It is a half-time routine for football and basketball without talking. It is a dance team. I could apply that to Cheer. I grew up dancing and I am also a fitness instructor so I thought it would be a good fit for me to coach cheer here in Chagrin Falls. I have been a fitness instructor for 15 years.” Coach Strawn started teaching fitness classes in 2008.
There are many different traits that make someone unique. One of them being on how one might deal with criticism. Mrs. Strawn shared, “I am flexible, and I apply what others say to my life.”
When working in a huge community for work one might get to know others they work with around their environment. Mrs. Christina Cline is one of many that works with Coach Strawn. Cline stated, “I think she is very kind, energetic, and wants the best out of the cheer squad. She brings the best out of me.”
Just like teachers, coaches mentor their players in many different ways. “When you coach any age, from little kids to adults, you need to have compassion. You need to be able to put yourself in their position and to help them be successful. You have to meet them where they are and help them develop their skills, and help them step outside of their comfort zone. You have many individuals with different skill levels and you help them work together as a team. Encouragement is good for the student you are teaching and coaching.” Coach Strawn truly enjoys her role at CFMS as our new Cheer coach.
