The People Project:
Bridget Bailey
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | September 10, 2023
Meet Bridget Bailey!
Bridget is the oldest of three, and lived in Eunice, Louisiana. She graduated from Loranger High School in 1991. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern State University in 1995, then received her Masters of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2001.
She and her husband, Heath, grew up together, but didn't actually know each other until she graduated with her undergraduate degree (there is video of them sitting together at a kindergarten graduation party!). They were married in 1997, and have two children, Caleb (married to Leah) and Sarah. They have two rescue dogs and are watching their grand-cat for a short time. They are decades-long members of First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula.
She is the Community Development Director for Tangipahoa Parish Government.
We want to thank Bridget for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: Every position I have had has led me to the job I have today. I have learned and made connections that have guided me and gave me experience in some way. I have worked with adolescent rehabilitation, DCFS, and Volunteers of America. About 16 years ago, I applied for the position I have now. There have been some modifications to the role throughout the years, but I work with prevention, public safety, and mental health aspects. During the 2016 floods and Hurricane Ida, I led the volunteer groups. I was able to connect people to resources and access the assistance they needed. I enjoy my job, and like to help our community.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: It really depends on what dish I want! That is how I decide where to eat. I love Albasha's Mediterranean hummus, Toula Burger's roast beef poboy, Bar B Que Station's brisket salad.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: During summers, spending time with extended family on the river. My uncle had property on the river, so our family would gather and spend time together.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Italy, for the culture, the food, the naps!
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: As an adult, The Blind Side. As a teenager, 16 Candles. The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was Smokey and the Bandit with my parents.
Q: Do you have a favorite book?
A: The Ugly Duckling by Iris Johansen, anything by Nora Roberts or Cain River by Lalita Tademy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: More travel. There are many places I would like to go and see. I would like to do a transcontinental cruise.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Be the change you want to see.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I have an eclectic taste in music. I like country, but growing up I liked rock and pop music. I saw Alabama perform last year, and it was a great show.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Cranky Corner BBQ. My Mom worked there and during summers I would work there also. They were open for lunch, and I spent a lot of time there in my childhood.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: We have the heart for hospitality. I always say our parish is the best hidden secret. Especially during times of tragedy, we come together to help each other.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Traveling more!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I was on the collegiate equestrian team at Northwestern for four years. I was a judge for one year also.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Comfort.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A housekeeper!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Not necessarily a cuisine, but a meal: mac and cheese! You can dress it up or down. Just a good comfort food!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Talk on the phone for work or listen to music to decompress.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a diaper cake to my nephew's wife during her baby shower. And the last gift I received was my son and daughter-in-law's impromptu visit home this week!
Q: What are you known for?
A: My tenacity.
Q: What is your favorite 90’s jam?
A: Something by Jon Bon Jovi or Brooks and Dunn.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To be telekinetic, like Bewitched! Then maybe I wouldn't need a housekeeper.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Reading, camping, traveling.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: The laughing crying face.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: My children and the success they have had.
Q: What three items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: My hammock, e-reader and a solar charger.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would you purchase or spend money on?
A: Pay off all debt for me and my family, buy a secluded mountain home and travel.
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That I made a difference somewhere. That I helped one person. That I had an impact on the community that lasted.
Bridget was nominated by Taylor Addison
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
