It is rare to meet someone who pays attention the way Regan Goodchild does. To people, to moments, to the small ways care can change everything. Her story is deeply felt, and we are thankful she trusted us with it. What follows is largely Regan, in her own words.

Regan Goodchild

`Elementary School Teacher`
`Member since March 2025`

Background

“I was born and raised in DFW. My parents have lived in their home since I was born, and my grandparents, siblings, and I go to their house every Sunday for family dinner. I would not likely move away without a very good reason.

I am extremely close with my family and love the variety of things to do in DFW. This area has always felt like home to me, not just because I grew up here, but because of the people and the life I have built.”

Work & Advocacy

“I am an elementary school teacher. When I was in high school, I always thought I was going to be a physical therapist. That changed when I became an office aide at my school.

This class was extremely cushy. I basically got to sit in the office and observe people for a couple hours every other day. While there, I observed several instances where Spanish-speaking parents were having the hardest time communicating with the office staff about concerns. Often, this resulted in the office staff, including administration, having to hire a translator or pull a Spanish-speaking teacher out of class to translate.

I felt like this was absurd. I took it upon myself to collect data on the benefits of hiring bilingual educators and staff. After researching for weeks, I planned a meeting with my school administration to present the information and argue why they should hire a bilingual receptionist to help with parent communication.

They did not take my advice and hired someone else, but through that experience, I discovered my passion for advocating for people that do not always have someone on their side.

I became a teacher because I did not want any child to ever feel like their needs were not being met, or that they did not have someone willing to step up and support them. Everyone deserves someone willing to fight for what they need.”

Creativity & Curiosity

“I am very fickle when it comes to hobbies. I am often cycling through different things I like to do. Some of my frequent fliers are Dungeons and Dragons, crochet, journaling, sketching or coloring (somewhat badly), and dance.

Right now, I am working on a blanket that will eventually fold to look like a bouquet of flowers. Those who have been to craft group often see me working on it and complaining about having to make more leaves.

I recently paid off my car and officially have no loans on anything, which I am really proud of. Professionally, I also earned my National STEM certification over the summer.

At the moment, I am learning how to create more balance in my life. I love what I do for work, but it can be all-consuming. I am working on prioritizing friendships and hobbies outside of work so I can enjoy all aspects of my life more. This is definitely still a work in progress, mostly because I have a hard time saying no.

Something else I probably need to work on.”

Community

“I found DFW Young & Social while doomscrolling on Instagram one day. An ad for dance classes popped up. Ironically, the first class I took was Salsa, which is not even a dance style I take at the club now.

I recently realized there is one experience I should probably credit for why I became so involved in the club and why I stuck around.

At the first neon paint class, the person next to me accidentally dropped his brush on my white shoes. Yikes. I was mildly stressing about what to do since it was not coming out. I jokingly mentioned just painting them more so it looked intentional, and Marco was more than happy to provide the supplies.

Another girl at the class jumped right in and offered to do it, even though we had just met that night. She stayed after and painted the shoes, and her friend even gave me a box to put them in for the drive home.

It was a little weird walking up to my apartment barefoot, but it was well worth it. I wear those shoes all the time now and they are one of my favorite pairs.

That moment really stuck with me.

Honestly, I have never met a more kind, generous, and caring group of people. Everyone is always willing to help and support each other. As an adult, it can be hard to make genuine connections with people. I really value that this community provides opportunities for people who may never have met otherwise to form real, long-lasting friendships.”

Life Outside Work

“In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, going to concerts, playing board games, DnD, pickleball, dancing, baking, coloring, and spending time with friends and family.

Most of my collections are centered around reading and books. It was the first hobby, aside from singing, that I really invested in. I collect stickers and enamel pins from book subscriptions I used to be part of, and now I try to collect them when I am out in public or visiting new places.

I also collect bookmarks. Whenever I travel, I visit local bookstores and buy a book. I keep the bookmark from the checkout so I remember where I bought it.

My favorite place to travel is my family cabin in Colorado. It has been in my family for over 100 years. Even though it is not the prettiest place to stay, I experience so much peace and internal steadiness when I am sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch, staring out at the mountain range.

Fun fact: I have read a book every week for the last 202 weeks.”

Looking Ahead

“The most rewarding part of what I do, both at work and in life, is the connections I make with people along the way. Through my job, I have realized how much impact you can have on someone’s life without even realizing it.

The hardest part of that is knowing that some people are only in your life for a short amount of time. I invest a lot in the growth and development of my students, and it can be difficult to watch them move on knowing I may never see them again.

If I could give advice to my younger self, I do not think I would. Every choice I made taught me valuable lessons and shaped the person I am today. I truly love the person I have become, and I have learned so much about myself through the hard times in my life.

This year, I am looking forward to continuing to create deep and meaningful connections with others.”

Final Thoughts

“I am extremely grateful for all the people who have taken the time to get to know me over the last few months. Everyone who comes into the club space is truly special and unique, and my life is significantly more enriched through the relationships and friendships I have made.”

“Every person who comes through DFW Young & Social brings something special with them, but there are a few people who leave a lasting impact simply by being present. Whether through their kindness, willingness to help, or the care they show for others, those people shape the community in quiet but meaningful ways.

Regan is one of them. She, along with her family, has been incredibly supportive of the community, especially throughout the holiday season. She is an integral part of DFW Young & Social, and this space is better because she is part of it. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I’m grateful to share this community with you and excited to see what the future holds.”

— Marco