Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Cormier-Baulch is a counselor, ministry leader, and lifelong learner who believes healing happens best in community. Outside of her professional work, Andrea is deeply grounded in the practices and relationships that sustain her spirit and keep her curious, creative, and connected.
Andrea is a foster parent and considers caregiving a calling that extends far beyond her professional life. She values creating safe, affirming spaces where young people can feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow into who they are becoming. That same commitment to presence and compassion shapes how she moves through the world.
In 2023, Andrea married her husband after a story that still makes her smile. They first met at a church lunch when he was passing through town as the son of one of her close church friends. What began as an easy friendship grew over time, and two years later they began dating, building a partnership rooted in faith, humor, and mutual respect.
Andrea practices Taekwondo, finding both discipline and joy in movement. She is also deeply connected to music and plays guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. Music has long been a source of grounding and expression for her, whether in worship settings or personal reflection.
When she’s not working or serving in ministry, Andrea enjoys video games, tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, and attending Renaissance fairs. These hobbies reflect her love of storytelling, creativity, and play, all of which she sees as essential parts of a full and meaningful life.
Andrea approaches life with curiosity, courage, and compassion. Whether counseling, mentoring, parenting, or simply showing up for others, she strives to live with integrity and joy, believing that even small acts of care can have a lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my success is rooted in a combination of determination, faith, and the willingness to walk alongside others. Determination has helped me persevere through challenges and remain committed to growth, even when the path forward was not clear. Faith has given me grounding and purpose, reminding me that my work and my life are part of something larger than myself.
Equally important, I have learned that success is not meant to be pursued alone. Learning to let others share the journey, through collaboration, mentorship, and community, has strengthened both my work and my sense of balance. Allowing space for mutual support has taught me that shared wisdom and collective care often lead to deeper impact than individual effort alone.
Together, these values continue to guide how I serve, lead, and grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my mom, who told me, “It’s not just about what you like doing, it’s about the life you want to have while doing it.” That perspective has stayed with me over the years. There are many things I enjoy, but not all of them would allow for a full and balanced life, which is how I define success.
I may not earn the highest salary or hold the most prestigious title, but I live with purpose, love fiercely, and have what I need, along with some of what I want. I am deeply grateful for a life that aligns with my values, supports my relationships, and allows me to serve others in meaningful ways. In that sense, I consider myself very blessed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot. If they try, ask them "why" so you know exactly how to prove them wrong. If you are called to do something (by faith or by your own determination of mind), then just keep moving forward. Be smart, be patient, but do not be a doormat.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) substance misuse among adolescents. Many teens are using easily accessible products such as antihistamines, cough and cold medications, and other non-prescription substances in ways that are dangerous but often overlooked. Because these substances are legal and readily available, they are frequently underestimated by caregivers, schools, and even some treatment systems.
OTC substance use is especially difficult to address because it is hard to test for, difficult to diagnose, and nearly impossible to fully control access to. Standard drug screenings often do not detect these substances, which makes monitoring use and assessing relapse more complicated. Additionally, symptoms of misuse can mimic mental health concerns, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed intervention.
As a substance use counselor working with teens, I also see how access and normalization play a role. Many adolescents do not view OTC misuse as “real” substance use, which lowers perceived risk and increases experimentation. Addressing this challenge requires increased education, better screening tools, and a harm-reduction approach that meets teens where they are while engaging families and communities in prevention efforts.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and my social life are honesty, love, and compassion. Honesty allows me to show up authentically, build trust, and engage in meaningful relationships, whether I am working with clients, serving in ministry, or spending time with the people I care about. I believe honesty creates the foundation for healing and genuine connection.
Love and compassion guide how I treat others and how I move through the world. In my work, they shape my commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered care and my belief that every individual deserves dignity, understanding, and respect. In my personal life, these values influence how I build community, maintain relationships, and offer support to others without judgment.
I also value integrity and inclusion. I strive to align my actions with my beliefs and to create spaces where people feel safe, welcomed, and valued for who they are. Community is important to me as well, as I believe we are strongest when we support one another and share the journey rather than walking it alone.
Together, these values inform not only what I do, but how I do it. They remind me to lead with empathy, remain open to growth, and approach both my work and my relationships with intention and care.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.