My name is Jessica Curd and I am from Columbus, Indiana. I have lived in Greensburg for the past 16 years and my husband Nick has lived here the majority of his life. My father was born here and my grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather were born and raised in Decatur County. My grandparents also met and married here and my husband and I married in the same church they did many decades before, the old St. Mary’s down on East St. While Greensburg is not my hometown, I have deep roots here and a fondness for this community. My husband and I have chosen to raise our children here and, though we don’t have Target or Kroger, I have appreciated the parks, library, and gems such as El Reparo, Stories Restaurant, and the YMCA, to name just a few! I have also been so excited to see support for children with special needs, as well as their families, really blossom and grow in this community, with the upcoming building of the inclusion park and unified sports, to name a few!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the second of four children and was born in Columbus, Indiana, where my parents and siblings still reside. I have been married to my husband, Nick, since 2011 and we have two children, Zoe and Tommy. Tommy has autism and we have learned and grown as a family as we have navigated special needs parenting.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a licensed clinical social worker and am also a PhD Candidate for Indiana University School of Social Work. I have served in the fields of mental health, domestic violence, and hospice care. I have recently opened a private therapy practice, Red Wheelbarrow Counseling, providing therapy virtually at this time. I have also conducted research pertaining to hospice social work experiences, caregiver experiences in caring for dying persons, and also experiences of girls and women with autism. I have taught on a very part-time basis for Indiana University since 2007, when I finished my Masters in Social Work. I am passionate about teaching, research, community engagement, disability and neurodiversity, grief and loss, and helping others.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in this community since October of 2007.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It would be difficult to name just one! I would say I am deeply impressed and inspired by the work of Alyson and Brendon Bridges and their passion for disability inclusion and supporting parents of children with disabilities in this community. I also appreciate the work of Jennifer Maddox and all those who have lead the local Special Olympics program. I am so glad to benefit from some of the great work they are doing and also hope to be helpful to their endeavors! Finally, I am inspired by children with autism, such as my son, and all that he teaches me and shows me every day. His memory and skills amaze me and, though he was mostly nonverbal for years, he has so much capability!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Paris, France. I have always wanted to see Notre Dame Cathedral, even after the devastating fire.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It is hard to choose a favorite movie. Possibly “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” or nearly any movies with Leonardo DiCaprio. I also like lots of shows on Netflix when I get the time.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
You are loved more than you know. You matter. Please reach out and get support as depression can sometimes convince a person of very untrue things about themself. I would also share that most things are not about us, even if we think they are, and that most things other people do are about themselves and their story. They just need our empathy and maybe even for us to reach out.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to visit Notre Dame Cathedral. Another bucket list item was meeting Temple Grandin, famous women with autism, writer and speaker, but I was honored to meet her about two years ago. She is amazing!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
County Supply Hardware Store. Nick and I used to live in an apartment above that store briefly, before marriage, and we also helped at the store some, which is owned and operated by his family.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Greta Thunberg or Temple Grandin. I would love to learn more about the passions and interests of women with autism and better understand their experiences as I think this has been an often missed and under-diagnosed but incredible group of people!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I appreciate the Greensburg parks and walking trails, the YMCA, the square and its businesses, and Wolf Theatre.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Finishing my PhD, building my private therapy practice, reaching out to and supporting adults and particularly women with autism and starting a virtual support group, watching our children thrive and flourish, continued camping and traveling adventures, continued research about end-of-life experiences, disability and autism. Continued teaching when I can.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Though I enjoy public speaking now and have taught and presented on a state and national level, I used to be afraid of public speaking and talking in groups. Terrified, actually! I also struggled with math until I reached college. This goes to show we can achieve more than we expect. We can persevere!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Colorado–especially Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month. Favorite holiday is Christmas. Single best day on the calendar is Christmas Eve!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
There’s no place like home –not three words, but it’s what I think and believe!
