Meet the Local Good Center's Maya Quinn and Emily Ussery
The Local Good Center aims to create lasting good within our community by providing access and empowerment to those in need. Its various programs offer life-changing education and additional services in health and wellness, advocacy, and job readiness.
Its roots trace back to the Chase Oaks Family Center, which opened its doors in 2014. The Family Center has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals and families each year through education programs and partnerships. Because of overwhelming demand, the center has outgrown its space and is moving to a new, larger location as the renamed Local Good Center.
Meet two of the newest staff with the Local Good Center, below:
Maya Quinn, Job Readiness Director
A true globe-trotter, Maya grew up in Mexico City and Plano but traveled to visit family in Switzerland every year. After attending UT Austin and getting married, she and her husband spent 10 years in Chicago before relocating to Allen, Texas.
Maya grew up in a family of faith. As a high school student, she was especially impacted by the love, support, and mentoring she received from other Christ-followers at church and in small group. Her faith and understanding of God’s constant grace have continued to grow and fuel her commitment to love others through service, ever since. She is thrilled for an opportunity to channel her passion for serving others into real-world solutions for job readiness.
Before beginning her role as Job Readiness Director, Maya was an active volunteer with multiple Chase Oaks ministries and partnerships. She and her family attend the Sloan Creek Campus.
Maya enjoys yoga, reading, eating spicy foods, and spending time with her husband, three daughters, and family pets (which include a reclusive but loving dog, an African side-necked turtle, and a Russian tortoise). She still loves to travel and includes Croatia, Argentina, Kenya, and the Maldives on her destination bucket list.
Emily Ussery, Wellness Director
Emily was born in Denver, Colorado and grew up in many different cities around the U.S., including Plano. Dallas is home now, but she will always have a special place in her heart for her college town of Nashville.
Emily’s parents were very active in church ministry during her childhood. She attended two youth groups in high school, where she became a follower of Christ. Since then, she has seen her faith deepen along with her understanding of grace and acceptance over rules and religion. She has also grown while serving as a key volunteer with the Chase Oaks Richardson Campus from its launch.
As a registered nurse and an avid runner, Emily brings both a clinical perspective and a personal commitment to her work with preventative healthcare, nutrition, and wellness. She is most excited about developing programs to provide hands-on help to people in the community.
Emily loves Mexican food, sushi, and the extreme usefulness of Elastigirl's powers. Fun fact: she and her husband Dain were high school sweethearts. They currently have two young daughters, who have made naps or dreaming about a trip to Hawaii or Australia more appealing in her free time.
Interested in getting involved with the Local Good Center? Look here to contact us and find more info about our upcoming grand opening!