Her Story
About Carrie
Carrie Collins serves as the Staff Retention Officer at the San Angelo State Supported Living Center, one of 13 state-supported living centers in Texas dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals with dual diagnoses involving mental health conditions. With 36 years of experience in the field, Collins has built a distinguished career centered on service, advocacy, employee support, and the well-being of residents.
Collins began her career as a direct care worker, providing hands-on support to residents, and steadily advanced through a variety of leadership and administrative roles. Her professional progression has included serving as a floor supervisor, home manager, assistant unit director, hiring specialist, program monitor in quality assurance, and program auditor. After gaining extensive experience across multiple areas of the organization, she returned to her current role as Staff Retention Officer seven years ago, where she draws on her comprehensive understanding of the facility and its workforce. A high school graduate who pursued her career through hands-on experience and professional advancement rather than a college education, Collins demonstrates the value of dedication, perseverance, and continuous growth.
In her current position, Collins conducts interviews and supports the hiring process while serving as an advocate for both employees and residents. She also chairs the IMPACT Committee, manages Carrie’s Closet, which provides gently used clothing and household items to those in need, and operates the facility’s food bank to support staff members and their families. Collins attributes her success to a strong support system and believes in perseverance, integrity, and making thoughtful choices. Her commitment to doing her best, serving others, and contributing to the well-being of her community reflects a career defined by compassion, leadership, and meaningful service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carrie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a strong support system that has encouraged, guided, and motivated me throughout my journey. The support and encouragement of the people around me have given me the confidence to pursue opportunities, overcome challenges, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Don’t give up.” Feeling uncomfortable or dissatisfied in a position does not necessarily mean you are in the wrong place or that your journey is over. I believe in doing my best in every role and making thoughtful, intentional choices. Ultimately, success is also about the sense of fulfillment I feel when I go home each day knowing that I gave my best, performed my job well, and made decisions I can be proud of.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to always do your best and make thoughtful, intentional choices. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and build a strong professional reputation. Stay committed to doing quality work, trust your judgment, and remember that the choices you make along the way can shape your career and define the professional you become.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that matters most to me in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being honest, ethical, and consistent in my actions, treating others with respect, and making decisions I can stand behind. For me, integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and building trust through my words and actions.
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