Values Ambassador Spotlight: Garret Huebert

Nominated by Cara Rapp | Value: Service

Garret Huebert thought his Facilities teammates were joking when they told him he won the Values Ambassador nomination, but for anyone who knows Garret, his win came as no surprise.

With the perpetual smile, can-do attitude, and genuine care he puts into his work, it’s hard not to be influenced by his work ethic. Even our students seek Garret’s attention and want to tag along as he maintains our grounds, sets up events, or paints classrooms.

As a former paraprofessional in our Therapeutic School, Garret thought he might lose the close connections he’d built with students when he transitioned to the Facilities team a few years ago. Instead, those relationships grew stronger.

“When we’re out mowing or working on projects, students call out our names. They want to ride along, help out, and be part of what we’re doing,” he said. It’s about safety first, but I love incorporating them into tasks because it’s a learning process.”

That passion for inclusion stems from Garret’s own story. Born with cerebral palsy, a doctor said he’d be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life. But Garret forged his own fate, undergoing surgeries to correct his ligaments and improve his range of motion while receiving physical therapy at Heartspring’s original campus.

“I grew up never knowing I had a disability,” Garret said. “But I know if I didn’t have this experience, I wouldn’t be at Heartspring today.”

Garret actually took a leap of faith when he came back to Heartspring for a career change nine years ago. Previously serving as a residential and day programming director for individuals with intellectual disabilities, he took time off to care for his aging parents, and had another job lined up when he was ready to re-enter the workforce.

Without a guaranteed position at Heartspring and knowing there were only entry-level opportunities at the time, he literally turned around on his way to accept the other position, interviewed with our HR, and started training the following Monday.

I like to think I’m paying it forward. Heartspring gave me something, and now I give back.

– Garret Huebert

Garret’s dedication to our mission shines in big moments and small gestures alike. During Family Weekend, he led the effort to transform our outdoor pavilion for the Saturday BBQ — moving tables and chairs across campus, setting up seating for more than 200 guests, and even cooking all the meat! He recruited his sister and daughter to help, ensuring families felt welcomed and cared for. “He did it all with a smile,” said nominator Cara Rapp. “Garret’s positivity is contagious, and you can’t help but want to do better and be better when you’re around him.”

For Garret, service means flexibility and teamwork. Whether it’s adapting a room for a new student or troubleshooting a playground swing, Garret and his team approach every challenge with creativity and collaboration.

In Facilities, nothing’s impossible. If there’s a need for a child, that becomes the priority. We’ll make it happen.

– Garret Huebert

His advice for anyone considering a Facilities role at Heartspring? “Come with an open mind and be willing to learn. Every day is different. And have a sense of humor, because the guys love to joke!”

When asked what makes him happiest at work, Garret doesn’t hesitate: “The students. They’ve been dealt a tough hand, but they make the best of it. Seeing their joy, even on hard days, changes everything.”

Garret consistently lives out Heartspring’s values, and his recognition reminds us that true service starts with heart.