Parent First, Leader Always: Lessons from Teri

Teri Klaverweiden, a Salisbury (SBY)-based Manager for Talent Acquisition, never imagined just how much motherhood would redefine her life.

“What a big question!” she laughs when asked how being a mom has shaped her resilience. “As a mom, my entire perspective on life changed.”

For Teri, there’s no room for shortcuts or half-efforts—not when you’re responsible for building the foundation of another human being. Every decision, every moment, matters.

“Setting an example for your child, even when it’s really tough, has to be the priority,” she says.

She recalls those endless rounds of “why” from her children, questions that could easily be brushed aside with a tired “because I said so.” But Teri resisted. “I answered the best I could, knowing a dozen more questions would follow.” That same spirit followed her into her professional life. “As a leader, if my team asks why we do something, I need to have a solid answer. And if I don’t have one, I will work hard to get one. Anyone who knows me, knows this is true,” she adds with a smile.

Her own mother was a beacon in times of adversity. “She always told me, in times of trouble, get up, get dressed, and stay focused.” Those words stuck. “Struggles are just a season,” her mother would say. And when Teri finds herself overwhelmed, whether at work or in life, she leans into that wisdom and does her best to persevere.

Working at Piedmont, where the culture is rooted in caring, Teri finds deep alignment between her parenting values and her professional environment. “Being a good parent means showing patience, flexibility, and empathy,” she says. “Just like raising children, at Piedmont we allow people to struggle to learn, support them, listen without judgment, and give grace, both to others and ourselves.”

Teri cherishes Mother’s Day. “We usually have a BBQ at my home, just enjoying time together.” It’s not about the activities, but about being with her children and grandchildren, soaking up the joy of simple memories and taking lots of photos. “Some days, my career has to take a back seat to my family, and Mother’s Day is one of them.”

Although her aviation career is demanding, Teri sees it as her role as a parent that taught her how to thrive in it, not the other way around. “I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, managing a home and juggling so many activities. That taught me how to prioritize and remind myself that taking care of me is critical, so I can be there for others.”

Of course, balancing it all isn’t easy. Teri relies on her support system at Piedmont, whether it’s a colleague, a leader, or a work bestie. “Having someone to talk to, someone with a listening ear, makes such a difference.”

When asked what advice she’d give to new parents entering aviation, her answer is simple but profound: “Build your career around your life as a parent. This industry offers so many opportunities, find the one that supports your family’s needs.”

Because for Teri, resilience is not about pushing through alone. It’s about showing up every day, living with intention, staying grounded in your values, and knowing that the smallest things, a patient answer, a quiet lesson, a conversation over BBQ, can leave the biggest legacy.

Keep an eye out for Teri and the recruitment team at events across the country, and don’t forget to explore the exciting career opportunities available at Piedmont!