A message from Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, President & CEO
February 27, 2026
Dear friends;
As a child, one of my favorite activities was climbing trees. My brother, cousins and neighborhood friends would all partake in these adventures, often giving one another a boost or coaching on which branches were sturdy enough to hold us. Once I reached a steady perch, I loved sitting there for a while. My worries, like the houses and people below, seemed smaller. There’s something powerful about working together to climb higher and then pausing long enough to gain perspective.
I was reminded of that feeling recently during a transformative trip to Guatemala with Rotary, whose guiding principle is “Service Above Self.” Our group had the privilege of visiting nonprofit organizations in Guatemala City, schools serving children with physical disabilities, medical clinics in rural villages, and programs in mountainous regions where access to clean water remains scarce. Everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed and deeply inspired. Although we arrived intending to serve, my group of Rotarian friends and I were on the receiving end of lessons in community and humanity.
One day, we worked alongside families in the village of Xecoxol, helping to build water filtration systems. The village is home to Indigenous Mayan families whose commitment to one another is evident in daily life. The terrain is steep, the homes are modest and built by hand, and the labor required simply to meet basic needs is significant. Clean water is not a given. And yet — there is joy.
Side by side, we mixed cement, dug trenches, and assembled filtration systems that will make a meaningful difference in families’ health and well-being. We talked about gardens, sports, family traditions, and even Santa Claus. By the end of the day, we were happily exhausted — grounded by the satisfaction that comes from shared purpose and collective effort. In behavioral health, we often speak about protective factors: connection, belonging, purpose, and contribution. In Xecoxol, those protective factors were not theoretical; they were alive and visible in every interaction.
Experiences like this gently recalibrate us. Our so-called modern advancements can obscure what is most meaningful. Stepping outside of our routines, witnessing resilience in the face of hardship, and participating in meaningful service can restore perspective. It reminds us that healing and hope are rooted in community.
Here at McCall, I am continually inspired by a staff who feel called to this work. They choose mission-driven service and understand the profound reciprocity it brings. I am grateful every day to work among them; their love and commitment are palpable.
When I begin to lose perspective, I no longer need to climb a tree. I can come to work, sit with our team, or gather with fellow Rotarians — and find that higher vantage point once again.
With gratitude,
Maria
Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW
President and CEO
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