Kimberly Barr, Bronson's environment of care specialist, has always maintained that Bronson’s flexibility has allowed her to do her job so well. “Bronson gives me the tools and flexibility I need to do my job and be a parent; and because of it I am willing to work harder,” she says.

While many parents worry that spending time at work may take away from their ability to be a good parent, Kim believes her job makes her a better wife and mother because it gives her the opportunity to feel valued as a professional. Kim absolutely loves her job and her enthusiasm is infectious to the dozens of Bronson employees she interacts with each week; her enthusiasm is also reflected in work within her community.

Several years ago Kim’s father passed away from cancer. She created a yearly memorial in honor of his memory, which, typical of her character, benefits her own community at the same time. Each year, friends and family, along with many Bronson employees, play in a golf outing to raise money in her father’s name. All told, Kim has raised $4,800 in donations to the Kalamazoo Nature Center. This money has provided scholarships for many local schoolchildren to attend the Nature Center summer camp.

Kim has also puts her organizational skills to use supporting the Kalamazoo Institute Turn 2, which was created by Derek Jeter to promote healthy lifestyles among youth. She also donates time to her children’s Little League association and her neighborhood’s co-op preschool.

Kim exhibits the work life balance that most of us strive to achieve. Each and every day she demonstrates how proud she is to be part of the Bronson team.