River City Six: Anne Constantino
Children’s Respite Care Center (CRCC) (www.crccomaha.org) is a community-based resource dedicated to providing a comprehensive coordination of care that includes nursing, educational, weekend respite, behavioral health and therapy services to children with special needs. Anne Constantino is the CEO of Children’s Respite Care Center.
Tell us a little about your business.
Our primary goal at CRCC is to help each child reach his or her fullest potential. Our Therapy Center’s team of experts provide physical, occupational, speech, feeding/swallowing and several cutting-edge mental health outpatient therapies.
How did you get started in the business?
Growing up in a family of educators, the value of seeing each child for their unique abilities was engrained in me. My mother, Cindy Squier, is a retired special education teacher who always encouraged us to embrace the wonderful gifts each human being brings to this life, and always fight for the equality of opportunity. I suppose this has guided me throughout my professional career, and what has ultimately led me to this amazing organization.
Tell us a little about your family.
My family is the heartbeat that drives everything in my life. My husband, James, and I have been together for over 20 years and he continues to be my rock. He’s a teacher at Millard South High School and also serves as the Head Debate Coach. We have two children; our son, Roman (17) and our daughter Quinn (13). Roman is a musician currently playing in a couple of bands around Omaha and in the midst of deciding where he will be heading to college. Quinn is a writer and has found a passion for speech. Our four-legged friend, Eddie our Jack Russell Terrier, rounds out our family!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love to get outside and spend time gardening. There is something special about digging in the dirt and planting something that will become beautiful with a nurturing hand.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My Aunt Jan once told me to never be so busy with daily life as to not be able to see the doors and windows of opportunity that are constantly presenting themselves.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Authentic
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
What my son referred to as “the John song” (No Such Thing by John Mayer) when he was young. He and I would put this song on and dance around the living room singing at the top of our lungs. I love the message of being willing to step outside the lines to find your true path and never putting yourself in a box that doesn’t fit.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Outside of my passion for, and work with, Children’s Respite Care Center, I am passionate about the work of the Girls Scouts. They do an amazing job of teaching girls self-worth, advocacy, financial literacy, leadership, and life skills that help to shape smart and talented young women. My daughter has learned and grown so much from her involvement with Troop 46407 under the amazing leadership of Wende Kotouc.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Mangia Italiana. I may not have been born Italian, but I hit the jackpot when it comes to marrying into a family that can cook! Tony and Dana Constantino do an incredible job.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: aconstantino@crccomaha.org; Website: www.crccomaha.org.