Stephanie Cloud

PIERCETON — Stephanie Cloud, Pierceton, has a mission – to raise her two sons: Tucker, 2 ½ and Ryder, 7 months. “When I feel its complete, I’ll find something else. It’s a blessing to stay home and raise the kids. I’m focused on that. When they are in school full time, I’ll re-evaluate.”

While taking care of the boys is a full time job, she has found enjoyment in two other jobs. She is the creative arts coordinator at Warsaw Community Church and was just recently appointed Monroe Township Trustee. Both of those positions have flexible hours and can be done from home.

The responsibilities of a township trustee are nothing new to Cloud. Her father, Dean Rhoades, has been Washington Township Trustee for a number of years and she served as his clerk for a few years. “I had an understanding what it is about,” she said. When the position came up and there was no one else willing to take on the responsibility, she knew she could handle the task.

While the boys keep her busy, as does her two part-time jobs, she finds times to enjoy creative activities such as photography, writing, some painting and even reading. “I enjoy painting. I do some, but nothing to talk about. It lets me be creative. That’s why I like my job as coordinator. I’m part of a team and use the creative part of my brain.”

Additionally, she finds time to write, which include short stories.

Cloud is originally from Pierceton and graduated from Whitko High School. She graduated in 2009 from Franklin College, Franklin, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations.

Journalism and public relations, however, were not always her dream, even though she had a passion for writing. When she was a child she wanted to become a veterinarian. “I was in 4-H, FFA and grew up on a farm. But going to college for eight years scared me,” she said. During her years in 4-H she participated in general projects as well as showed beef and swine, and for a few years in horse and pony. In FFA she participated in dairy and meats judging and extemporaneous speaking.

Her career goal changed in middle school. A language arts teacher introduced her to writing and her desire grew from there. Yet she has not gotten to a job close to her degree.

After college she was the assistant registrar at the University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, then she was a customer service representative at ReelCraft, Columbia City. By then she had married Brandon, and they began their family.

At first Brandon, who had a second shift job, stayed at home with their son while she returned to work. But their different working hours didn’t allow much family time. Then things changed. Brandon joined his wife’s family’s business, E.F. Rhoades and Sons and her mother took care of Tucker. “I began looking for part time (work) instead of full time to have more hours at home.”