Kendra Hatcher
Kendra Hatcher is a dedicated Human Services professional with over a decade of experience in mental health and substance use services. Her career began in 2010, working with at-risk youth, specifically teenage boys who were sex offenders—a role inspired by her personal experiences growing up in a family that faced significant challenges. This early work established Kendra’s passion for supporting individuals during their most difficult moments and set the foundation for her long-term commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed care. Over the following nine years, Kendra expanded her expertise in the substance use field, working with adults and advancing from a substance use technician to a clinical supervisor. Along the way, she earned her Master of Science in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling and completed post-master’s training in Trauma Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Her professional journey reflects both her dedication to personal growth and her commitment to empowering others, guiding countless individuals toward recovery and stability. Currently based in Virginia, Kendra serves as a Caregiver Manager at Care Advantage, Inc., focusing on workforce development, staff training, and employment readiness for entry-level healthcare professionals. While her role has shifted from direct clinical care to administrative leadership, her mission remains the same: to support, mentor, and empower others while making a meaningful impact in the community. Guided by integrity and her faith, Kendra continues to leverage her experience to improve lives, foster growth, and build stronger human service networks.
• Grand Canyon University - MS
• Virginia State University-BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother. From her, I learned the true meaning of hard work and the importance of never limiting oneself. She approached every challenge with determination and consistently encouraged me to believe in my own abilities. Her example taught me to always put my best foot forward and reinforced the confidence that there is nothing I cannot accomplish when I set my mind to it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Don’t be too hard on yourself—no one gets everything right at the start, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is learning from each experience and continuing to move forward with confidence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges for me personally has been location. Since I've recently returned back to the Hampton Roads area, many of the people I worked with ten years ago have moved on or are doing different things. Building those community connections I will need to excel in this area requires me to intentionally put myself out there, network, and form new relationships. I've realized over the years how important it is to connect with others in the field. I want to get into those spaces that hold the opportunities necessary for my continued growth and success in human services.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are staying true to myself and my faith. I believe that aligning my actions with these values provides a strong foundation of integrity, guiding me even in complex or uncertain situations. Living with this internal compass helps me make decisions that feel authentic and intentional, while also fostering self-awareness. I strive to let this integrity influence not only my choices but also positively impact the people around me.
Locations
Care Advantage, Inc.
Newport News, VA 23607