We’re looking forward to introducing you to kellie Everhart-Maynard. Check out our conversation below.
kellie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes, I supported a woman many years ago when many others would not, because of small-town politics. It cost me friendships, a job, and years of worry—but I have never regretted it. Not once. I stand by my values and my morals, and I remain unwaveringly true to myself. That is why I am proud of the boundaries I hold and the integrity I refuse to compromise.
I learned early in life that staying true to yourself matters more than approval. I was raised in a divorced household by strong women—my mother, grandmother, and aunt—who nurtured me, guided me, and taught me to always do what is right, even when it comes at a cost.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been married to my Kansas high school sweetheart for 30 years, now empty nesters with our 2 boys living their best lives. I am the Chief Development Officer ( aka Chief Storyteller) at The Samaritan Inn, located in McKinney, Texas. We are the largest comprehensive housing program in Collin County and recently integrated with a food pantry, making us the largest food provider too.
Our 3-year strategic plan outlines increasing three major components: access, resources, and engagement. Our first way to increase access was through the integration of our grocery-style food pantry, which provides over 700 families each week with a means to alleviate their food insecurity. Secondly, our pet kennel is the only shelter in Collin County that allows pets. We will be breaking ground in January on our new 16-dog and 12-cat kennels. Lastly, we are in the exploratory stages of a comprehensive campaign to launch in 2027, focusing on family building, as we continue to see an increasing number of families seeking shelter.
I have a passion for serving non-profits and a belief in the power of making a positive impact, specifically in our youth, as they are the future.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom instilled my values, as she was an angel on earth. She was a quiet leader, until she needed to be loud; however, she led by example and always helped the less fortunate. As a single mom, my young sister and I would sometimes accompany her to work, and I marveled at the relationships she had with the other nurses. Once, I watched her train three CNAs on how to properly make a bed, including tucking in the corners and layering the padding to ensure patients were comfortable and maintained their dignity at all times. Many years later, one of those CNAs came to my mom’s funeral and said she now trains her nurses the Ms. Mary way of making a bed! My mom always said we should leave people better than the way we found them, and I try to weave this into my work, making relationships matter with true transparency each day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Go be YOU, God created each of us beautifully unique for a reason. So, remember to make ripples for the women of today and all the tomorrows.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
God, Family and Friends in that order……..my friends are my FRAMILY!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story of hope and LOVE, that I kept it simple, worshiped my boys, gave the best hugs, valued the art of listening, always believed the best in everyone and lived the best Barnabas life I could.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,saminn.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamaritaninncollincounty/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-maynard-73b21822
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamaritanInn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesamaritaninn6565
- Other: Visit our resale store, Inn Style and our Ebay store:
https://www.ebay.com/str/innstyleresalestorehttps://innstyle.org/
