For our cottage parents, Crossnore is home. Living on campus allows them to share space and daily life with the children they serve — creating environments rooted in care, wellbeing, and trust. This proximity transforms ordinary moments into meaningful opportunities: a conversation after school, a shared laugh at dinner, encouragement before a big test, or quiet reassurance after a hard day.
Meet: Angela
Angela first learned about Crossnore while working at a camp that hosted children from the organization. She was drawn to the cottage parent role to love and teach kids in a home-like setting. The role also supported her dream of fostering children.
“Small moments like notes or hugs from the kids make my day. Living in a cottage with the children helps us feel more connected. We feel like a family that loves and looks out for one another.”
Angela’s typical day is full. She gets kids ready for school, attends appointments, helps with homework, plays outside, and shares family-style dinners. She loves seasonal traditions. The sense of community on campus is one of Crossnore’s greatest strengths.
Meet: Joanna
Joanna was drawn to Crossnore through her passion for counseling and working with children. She works primarily with teen boys, teaching life skills and guiding daily challenges.
“When teens apologize or say ‘thank you,’ it reminds me my presence has meaning. It can help them as adults in the future. Be patient and do not take things personally. This time in their life does not define them.”
For Joanna, home at Crossnore means creating a safe and caring space. Students know they are valued, even during difficult moments. She emphasizes patience and listening as key lessons learned from the kids.
Meet: Jessica
Jessica transitioned from the nanny field to Crossnore. She wanted to support children during a vulnerable chapter in their lives. Her days start early with getting kids ready for school. They continue with homework, chores, and recreation, and end with bedtime routines.
“Being there from morning to night gives us a sense of home. Home is not just a space. It’s the relationships, nature, and support that surround us.”
Jessica cherishes the campus community and shared gathering spaces. She loves watching children grow emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. Seeing kids accomplish something they doubted makes the work worthwhile.
Community, Care, Around the Clock
The presence of our cottage parents is steady and consistent. Their commitment shows that powerful support often comes from simply showing up every day. By living and serving on campus, cottage parents foster stability, connection, and belonging.
They are mentors, role models, advocates, and trusted adults. They often become influential figures in a child’s journey. The cottage parents featured here represent many who make Crossnore what it is. Their work is the heart of our mission: faithful, and transformative.
To learn more about becoming a cottage parent or exploring other career opportunities, visit www.crossnore.org/careers.
