AURORA –– Maggie Miller does not have any kids of her own, but has a small group of boys that make up her family. Miller, a 2012 Rochelle Township High School graduate, mentors, raises and teaches as a family teacher at Mooseheart.

Miller describes her job as an “adventure” as each day presents new challenges and no two days are the same as she lives with and cares for boys between the ages of eight and 11.

Miller’s job description reads family teachers “provide youth with a safe and secure environment in which to grow and learn; model and teach youth social skills, self-help skills, academic skills, and independent living skills; foster the moral and spiritual development of youth; administer the day-to-day operations of a large family residence; supervise and work with other professional Family Teachers in carrying out responsibilities; and maintain confidentiality of youth and program information.”

Miller graduated in 2016 with a sociology degree from Carroll University and wanted to make a difference in the lives of others once she walked across the stage.

Miller explained, “I wanted to have the opportunity to impact children in a positive way for their futures and give them the childhood that they deserve but for many could not imagine before coming to Mooseheart.”

Mooseheart Child City and School is a residential childcare facility that is home to children and teens from infancy through high school. The children live and attend school on the 1,000 acre campus while being raised in a safe and secure setting. Mooseheart cares for youth whose families are unable, for a variety of reasons, to care for them. Some have lost one or both parents; others are living in environments that are simply not conducive to healthy growth and development. Whatever the reason, the men and women of the Moose, through unparalleled generosity and volunteerism, furnish the resources necessary to care for children in need. The Moose fraternity provides children with a wholesome home-like environment and the best possible training and education.

Miller shares her family residents with other family teachers and together they are responsible for six to 12 children. Her job requires her to work 24-hour days five days a week, with two days off. While the workdays are long, family teachers always have a period of down time while the students are at school. As a family teacher she lives with and cares for the students while encouraging, playing and helping to mold the young child.

She explained, “I think the hardest aspect of the job for me is seeing one of my kids struggling or having a bad day. As their primary care taker I make it my responsibility to help them through whatever rough patch they are going through so it can be tough when the kids are wrestling with things that are outside of my control.”

While there is no blood relation between Miller and the students in her house they are still like a family to one another.

She explained, “Although this can be a hard aspect of the job, I think it shows how much we truly are like a family within each home.”

Most students who reside at Mooseheart come from a broken family and have been admitted to the campus for a stabile and positive upbringing.

Miller majored in sociology looking to make a positive impact on others lives and that desire motivated her to apply at Mooseheart following graduation.

“I wanted to have the opportunity to impact children in a positive way for their futures and give them the childhood that they deserve but for many could not imagine before coming to Mooseheart.”

While the job is rewarding the days are long as she cares for the boys.

Miller explained, on a typical day she wakes the kids up, feeds them breakfast and makes sure they are ready for school then takes them to school. While the students are at school she is responsible for housework, paperwork, grocery shopping, and a few hours of downtime for herself. After school, she picks the boys up and then has homework time followed by free time. Miller tries to allow the young boys as much free time as possible before and after dinner. She explained during free time they typically play Legos, go outside or play Just Dance.

While the school is closed for summer, her schedule is a little different but Miller is given a break during the day while the students are participating in activities around the campus. The campus contains a fishing lake, four gymnasiums, bowling alley, fitness center, outdoor track, nature trail and lake cabin.

Miller is also able to take the students off campus. While off campus Miller and others are surprised by the students conduct.

She stated, “Almost any time I take the kids off campus, I will have people walk up to me and say how well-mannered and polite the kids are. It is such a great feeling when the kids model what I am trying to teach them.”

While caring for the students can present a challenge because she cares about the boys, it is also a rewarding job as she sees the students excel.

She explained, “I would also describe my job as rewarding because the kids never cease to amaze me with how they demonstrate what they are learning inside and outside of the classroom.”

Watching the students learn and grow is the most rewarding aspect of being a family teacher to Miller.

“I love being able to be a positive influence in their lives and provide them with a sense of stability and security,” explained Miller.

Mooseheart was established in 1913 and is sponsored by the Moose fraternity.