Weaving personal experiences into professional endeavors can infuse them with deep purpose and passion. For Haley Nall, the newly appointed President of Red Mountain Grace’s Young Professionals Board, her journey intertwines with the organization’s mission in a profound way.

Haley’s introduction to Red Mountain Grace stemmed from a poignant moment - one year after her husband’s passing. Amidst the grief, a friend introduced her to the organization. As Haley reflected on her own experiences as a caregiver during her late husband Brad’s battle with a very rare form of blood cancer, the connection to Red Mountain Grace’s mission became palpable. Memories of their time at a similar nonprofit in Houston, Halo House, flooded back. The struggles of being away from home, the challenges of caregiving, and the invaluable support from such organizations were deeply etched in her heart.

“Throughout our entire journey, we witnessed and felt God at work through family, friends, and people we had never met. Brad and I had many conversations about wanting to give back to others the same ways we had been given to. We prayed God would provide us opportunities to support and help other families going through a similar medical journey. On the one-year anniversary of Brad’s passing, a friend was talking about Red Mountain Grace, and I could not believe the timing of her telling me this and how much it related to our story and us being in similar shoes of our current guest - moving to a new city, away from home, away from community. And then me being a caregiver and understanding the challenges and needs that often come along with that, I just knew, 'Okay God, this is the opportunity that we prayed for.' Just the mission alone, providing gracious hospitality, is something I believe is incredibly important, mainly because I think every family should be able to afford to fight for their life.”

In a recent interview, Haley shared her motivations for stepping into a leadership role within Red Mountain Grace. Inspired by conversations with the immediate past president, Courtney, and driven by her desire to challenge herself while giving back, she recognized an opportunity for personal growth intertwined with meaningful service.

When asked about the role of young professionals in driving Red Mountain Grace’s mission, Haley emphasized the power of connection through conversation, listening, and empathy. Drawing from her teaching experience and personal journey, she highlighted the importance of awareness and support in navigating medical crises. Through their unique perspectives and energy, young professionals can amplify the organization’s impact, offering not just financial aid but also essential emotional support to families in need.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity, grateful to help others. Just being able to sit down with a caregiver and say, ‘I have been through a similar journey, I'm here for you, how can I help?’ I think there's comfort in knowing you are with someone who understands the emotional roller-coaster that comes with being a caregiver to a loved one. This is one of the many reasons I am thankful to serve with Red Mountain Grace.”

Beyond her role with Red Mountain Grace, Haley’s commitment to making a difference extends to her work as an educator, recently recognized with the prestigious Teacher Impact Award at Hall Kent Elementary School. Her dedication to her students and her community mirrors her ethos of service and compassion.

In her spare time, Haley finds solace in nature, cooking, family and friends, and dreaming of future travels. Her journey, marked by loss and resilience, serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of organizations like Red Mountain Grace in providing respite and support during life’s most challenging moments.

Reflecting on a memorable moment with Red Mountain Grace, Haley recounted the simple act of delivering a meal to a family in need. The gratitude and relief she witnessed in the eyes of the recipient, a place she had once been, underscored the profound impact of seemingly small gestures of kindness.

“Speaking from experience, the small things that Red Mountain Grace provides are more impactful than I think the average person knows.”

As Haley embarks on her new role, she remains grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside patients and caregivers, offering understanding and comfort born from her own journey. Her presence, rooted in empathy and shared experience, embodies the essence of Red Mountain Grace’s mission — to provide not just housing, but a sanctuary of hope and support for those facing medical challenges away from home.

In Haley Nall, Red Mountain Grace finds not just a leader, but a compassionate advocate whose personal journey enriches the organization’s mission with depth and authenticity. As she leads the Young Professionals Board, her vision and dedication promise to steer Red Mountain Grace towards even greater heights of impact and service to the community.