2010 Most Influential Women Honoree: Cindy Baker, Ed.D.

Whether by recruiting business owners to serve on the Christian County Domestic Violence Task Force, working to financially support abused women and children or children in state custody, or supporting numerous programs to help children, Cindy Baker can be described in a single word – passionate.

“My passion lies in helping abused women and children – who are oftentimes victimized at the hands of a loved one – to experience self-empowerment and greater fulfillment on their life journey,” Baker says.

Her proudest moment, she says, came this spring when Ron Cleek, Christian County prosecutor, informed her that she was to be honored with a brick along the walkway at the Victims’ Memorial Garden in Phelps Grove Park.

As the owner of Touchstone Counseling LLC, Touchstone Helping Families and The Garden of Healing Boutique LLC, Baker gets the opportunity to counsel many people. “There is nothing that I enjoy more in life than to see another succeed,” Baker says. “Of course, as a therapist, I have experienced many personal successes in clients who have overcome anxiety, eating disorders, phobias, limitations, grief and trauma.”

Baker says she applies the same practice she uses professionally to her community work.

“I start with a passion and desire for success, accomplishment, healing and growth at the onset of our relationship and challenge each individual to reach past his or her comfort zone when setting goals for success,” Baker says. “I have been told many times that (people) succeeded because they knew I believed in them, which helped them believe in themselves.”

Baker also guides others to broaden their knowledge and horizons.

“As a business owner, advocate and civic leader, I have remained focused on ways to encourage others to take on new opportunities and challenges in order to expand their individual accomplishments,” she says.

Her civic commitments include serving on the Christian County Domestic Violence Task Force as chairwoman of its marketing committee and a member of its personnel and grant committees. She also is treasurer and past vice president of the Christian County Child Welfare Advisory Council and a member of groups such as the Finley River Community Foundation and Ozark Chamber of Commerce.

No matter the task, she says collaboration is key.

“Networking provides an opportunity to build and manage relationships in order to share and expand limited resources, including time, money and knowledge,” Baker says.

Baker holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, with an emphasis in early childhood development, from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. She earned a master’s in guidance and counseling from Missouri State University and a doctorate of education in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

She shares what she’s learned through mentoring area college students.

“I have demonstrated commitment, a strong work ethic and a genuine interest in others by identifying their hopes and dreams and offering them my support,” she says.[[In-content Ad]]