Meet Ainsley Chapman | Director of Programs at The Magdalen House

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ainsley Chapman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ainsley, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Fake it ’til you make it”

I couldn’t disagree more. There was a time I thought it was important to pretend like I knew everything, or to act like I had it all together. My assumption was that if I pretended like I knew what I was doing, eventually I would figure it out. Now I choose to live my life authentically. If I don’t know how to do something, I ask for help. If I’m struggling, I reach out. If I’ve failed, I admit it, I learn from it. To me, this is the example I want to set as a leader – I want to inspire others to be honest about where they are and when they need help, while also celebrating milestones and achievements along the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My role at The Magdalen House currently is Director of Programs, although I have been through many different positions and titles over the years, learning something new and different along each way. I began my career in nonprofit over 8 years ago working part time as a Program Coordinator in our residential program. In the beginning, my confidence was low, I didn’t have much of a path laid out for me and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future. What I did know was that I was passionate about helping women find recovery, so I leaned into that. Something that has helped me along the way it to always say yes to learning something new, even if I’m afraid. With that mindset, I have learned so many things that I thought I could never be successful in. For example, public speaking. No, it wasn’t easy at first to get in front of a room full of strangers strangers and give a presentation, be interviewed on the news or speak at a grand opening. But, I found that the more I said yes, the easier it got, then eventually I ended up liking it. If anyone else is trying to overcome a challenging aspect of their career, or face something they’re afraid of, I would encourage them to remember why they got started in the first place, what is their purpose? When I remembered that I was placed in this position to help other alcoholic women, it was easy for me to forget about myself and how I might sound, and remember that I have a larger purpose in serving others. Even if I fumbled on my words or said the wrong thing – I spread the message of what we do, and if even one woman heard that and got help, that’s one life, one family, one community changed. I’ve tried to use this mindset with every new challenge I come across. Always remembering that I am being used for a greater purpose to serve others. The more I put myself out there and overcome my fears, the easier it gets every time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, first and foremost, we’ve gotta have TexMex. Let’s say they just hopped off a plane at Love Field and don’t want to get ready to go out – looking for something casual. In that case, we’re going to Avila’s on Maple Ave. This little spot is my favorite TexMex in the city. But, if we’ve got a little more time and want more of a scene we’ll go to Doce Mesas or Mesero. I’m a mom, and so is my best friend – so a lot of what we would do would be kid friendly. I’m thinking a whole day at Klyde Warren park with the splash pad for the kids and Mi Cocina a the park for dinner (I’m realizing a lot of my plans will revolve around food). We’d also make a trip to the Arboretum if it’s not too hot. I love showing friends and family all the different neighborhoods in Dallas, this is such a big city with so many different areas to check out for walking, shopping and eating: Bishop Arts, Lower Greenville, Harwood District, maybe even a day in Ft. Worth at the Stockyards or the Zoo. Let’s not forget a day for museums and history too – Perot Museum, Sixth Floor at Dealey Plaza and The Nasher, then winding things down by spending a night at home grilling out on the deck and cooling off with ranch waters and mocktails.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shoutout to The Magdalen House. My story wouldn’t be complete without this organization. This is a place that has impacted me profoundly, not only professionally, but personally. The Magdalen House helps alcoholic women – for free. I learned about them from some other women in recovery years ago and when I reached out for help, after a horrible relapse, they were my first call. Not only did I have a free, safe place to get sober, but I found a lifelong community of women to love and support me. It truly feels like the house I grew up in. I learned how to be a friend, daughter, sister and now wife and mother through my involvement with this organization. Without it, my life wouldn’t be the same. And of course, I have to mention them professionally as well. The culture at The Magdalen House is one of support, encouragement, and lifting other women up. Not only do I get to see the lives of the women we serve transform, I get to work with an incredible staff of women in recovery and empower them to grow. I love seeing them find their strengths and lean into them, I love helping other women grow and feel more confident. Last but most certainly not least, I credit my success to my family and my personal spiritual growth and connection. My husband, Brian, daughter Ellie, my parents and siblings (there are a lot of them). They encouraged me to keep going when I thought I had nothing left to give. They’ve been there for every trial, celebration, downfall and success. They made me who I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Website: www.magdalenhouse.org

Instagram: @ainsley_august