Legal Intake Specialist and Advocate Bailey Sturm
Not only are all our advocates trauma-informed, but every single one is deeply passionate for our mission to empower survivors and protect kids. We hope this mini-interview gives a small window into some of the talented, empathetic and driven advocates that work at our firm.
What is your favorite thing about working at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Bailey: My favorite thing is the coworkers. The people here are just so sweet and genuinely kind. Everyone is super inviting. I feel like I started at a lull in the deadlines and people were available and welcoming. People were just coming back into the office after Covid.
Why did you apply to work at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Bailey: Hunter (another advocate at the firm) and I volunteered at a domestic abuse shelter. She had applied first and told me about the firm. I ended up finding the job posting on my own, and it happened to be the same thing she had applied for. I always knew I wanted to work with survivors because it’s such a taboo area that people don’t like to talk about, but I think it’s important.
Where did you go to school?
Bailey: I went to school for Victimology at Bemidji State. During Covid (in my senior year) there were no internships or job openings. So, instead, I looked into volunteering in my community to find something that aligned with what I wanted to do in my career. Alex House (domestic abuse shelter) was the perfect option for me.
What is your favorite thing about working with survivors?
Bailey: The impact that you can make. Whether they acknowledge it on the phone or not, just knowing that you’re a safe space for them to talk about what happened to them is so rewarding. You can tell there is a positive change.
What does being “trauma informed” mean to you?
Bailey: Understanding that everyone is different. Everyone’s reaction is different across the board. It’s okay to be angry when you call in. It’s okay to cry. Everyone’s response to trauma is different.
How have you grown as a person since working at Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Bailey: I was always compassionate and caring, but I feel as if it’s a different level now. It definitely affects me in my personal day to day life as well.
What is the most surprising thing about you?
Bailey: I guess that I am a first generation college student. I had to figure everything out on my own.
What is your favorite hobby?
Bailey: I am a big crafter, and I like reading. I’ve been really into making personalized cards and gifts for people; that’s been really fun! I like creating something and then giving it to people. One day, I’d like to have my own little business.
What is your favorite TV show and why?
Bailey: I like The Office. It’s a good lighthearted, relatable, funny, easy-to-go-back-to show that you can watch over and over again. It’s a comfort show.
What is something you do to help alleviate anxiety or stress?
Bailey: I take time for myself. I take a break. I listen to music, read, or anything to re-energize alone.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
Bailey: Yes! I have a Golden Doodle named Boomer.