Lauren Clouse ’16 had her mind set on a larger university, but the minute she walked onto Shenandoah’s campus, she felt at home. Initially, she began her career at Shenandoah University in the pre-admit Physical Therapy program, but later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine/exercise science and a Bachelor of Arts in spanish.
“It’s a ‘little’ university with some BIG opportunities,” said Clouse. “Educational opportunities, athletic opportunities, internships and jobs, opportunities to travel across the world.”
During her time at Shenandoah, she was a member of the field hockey team. Some of Clouse’s fondest memories include going to the Allen Dining Hall to share a meal with her teammates and friends, walking in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Grand Feature Parade with the athletic teams and most recently returning to campus to watch the Field Hockey team win their first ODAC championship.
Clouse is the CEO of the Winchester Rescue Mission (WRM) in Winchester, Virginia. In this role, she is responsible for the oversight of the organization’s operations, building community partnerships and advocating for the homeless and marginalized populations.
“Overall, my role is to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission of providing healing, help and hope to individuals devastated by the effects of poverty and homelessness,” said Clouse.
Prior to her current role with WRM, she served as the director of the Women’s Shelter, a volunteer coordinator and also the director of community engagement. She also worked briefly at Shenandoah as a transfer specialist in the Office of Admissions and has experience in substitute teaching and coaching.
Clouse’s most rewarding experience in her career has been being a part of the journeys of the people she serves.
“I’ve witnessed people see how valuable they truly are after years of doubting or not seeing it… many considered ‘outcasts of society’,” said Clouse.
Her Shenandoah education prepared her for her career by teaching the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion as well as understanding ‘Exercise is Medicine’, which has benefited her as she has evolved the programs at the WRM to meet the health and wellness of all its clients.
Clouse’s experiences as a member of the Shenandoah’s field hockey team also played an integral part in preparing her for her career. “It further developed not only a team mentality but a winning mentality,” said Clouse. “How can I work with my team, understand our strengths and weaknesses, understand our opponent, define a goal, and do what we can to achieve that.”
Clouse’s advice to current and future students is: “Really explore what you’re great at, passionate about and ensure you take care of your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being. Also, learn to truly love yourself and embrace that.”