Staff Spotlight

Staff Member: Diana Kurtz

By Clare Jensen

For Puyallup Tribal News
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: April 17, 2008

Diana Kurtz has been working with Kwawachee Counseling Center’s Helping Hands Project since its inception four years ago.

As a data coordinator for the grant project, Diana Kurtz is essentially the thermometer for the program; she surveys the community to get the temperature for what sorts of services and programs are desired.

“It’s so we’re truly meeting the needs of the community… not just imposing something on them,” she said.

The Helping Hands project’s goal is to help other existing agencies collaborate with one another to increase services and programs for the Tribal community.

Things such as Community Dinners, the Peace Rally and American Indian Life Skills at Chief Leschi Schools are just a few programs the grant has given a “helping hand” to.

“It’s really rewarding when I see something implemented that really changes people’s lives,” Diana Kurtz said.

Diana Kurtz said she is a people person, and that is one of the reason’s she really loves her job. While the term “data coordinator” might render thoughts of a shut-in punching numbers in a computer all day long, that is not the case for Diana Kurtz – although she does do that too.

Building relationships with different agencies and community members is what she thrives on.

“I love people,” she said. “And there’s always something new—I love to learn.”

Diana Kurtz said it can be challenging from time to time when she doesn’t see immediate results of programs she’s helped coordinate. “Sometimes I think, ‘I’m not seeing big change happening right now,’ but I have to keep the faith that what I’m doing makes a difference.”

Diana Kurtz grew up in a military family, which means she traveled around a lot during her youth. Her family settled in the Puget Sound area about 16 years ago, so she considers it her home, as it is the longest place she has ever lived.

She said since working for the Puyallup Tribe she has “fallen in love” with the community.

“I feel so honored working for the Puyallup Tribe.”

Diana Kurtz recently relocated to Enumclaw, which makes her work days a little longer. She said she tries to spend as much time with her two sons and fiancé as she can in her free time.

Story Tools

This Week's
Front Page