Taz Randles Meet Taz Randles for the first time and you might come away thinking of him as a quiet, understated person. Linger for a moment with him; move past the quiet contemplation, and he reveals to you the humility of a servant, the passion of a missionary, the heart of a father, and the resolve of a soldier. Many of Taz Randle’s clients might be surprised to learn that their counselor actually left the profession to work for an insurance company. “I was experiencing burn-out from working with severely traumatized youth in a community crisis intervention program,” he explains. “I guess I just needed to slow down and realize my limitations.” When asked how he found himself at Lee, Taz reveals his inner passion. “I really was missing working with young people,” he states. “Truthfully, I have always loved interacting with people with life needs.” Through the persistence of some close friends he was persuaded to apply for an opening in the counseling office, and calls Lee “a Godsend, the perfect fit for me.” That perfect fit means pursuing more balance in his life, which includes time for recreation, but more importantly devoting time to his 14 year old son Lance.  “I really want to invest in him,“ he says. “He is developing so fast I can’t keep up, and I see so much potential in him.” Taz sees that same potential in the life of his students, and he wants to mentor them to care deeply about the world they live in. He says, “I am passionate about engendering compassion in the students I teach, and encouraging them to serve the world in practical ways.” Taz understands first hand the price tag associated with answering that call to duty. Like hundreds of thousands of other soldiers, Taz was asked to put his life on hold, say goodbye to wife, children and friends, and serve his country a world away. Reflecting on the experience now, he says, “I am always amazed that no matter how dangerous or threatening the environment soldiers find themselves in, the most important aspect of their existence is the strength and quality of the relationships they have with family and significant others back home.” When asked how the experience changed him he replies, “I recognize that every effort I spend now to help students engage with others more effectively will prevent them from having the “melt downs” when they are in places with diminished resources.” You might think that Taz Randles wouldn’t stand out in a crowd, or be found preaching from the street corners, but when you finish your time with him you realize he is just the sort of man to whom you would entrust your children’s emotional and spiritual well being.