Ivan: The Leader

By Allison Hamby Allen

History has produced memorable leaders named Ivan — some feared, like Ivan the Terrible, and others admired, like Ivan the Great. At Methodist Children’s Home, there’s a different kind of Ivan. At just 15 years old, this quiet, seemingly shy young man is emerging as a leader in his own era: Ivan the Leader.

“He’s always been very motivated to lead and be the best he can,” said Alice Fry, clinical therapist, who has worked closely with Ivan during the year and a half he’s been at MCH.

Tony Stewart, senior director for programs at the Boys Ranch, recalled the inherent leadership he saw in Ivan upon his arrival from Houston on the last day of school in May 2024.

“He’s very consistent and dependable, which makes him a natural leader among his peers, even if he leads quietly,” Stewart said.

But this wasn’t always the story surrounding Ivan — especially the one he told himself.

“I had lots of issues getting into trouble and getting into fights,” Ivan reflected a year into his stay at the MCH Boys Ranch. “My mouth was bad. I was bad when I got to the ranch.”

The Boys Ranch offers expanded services beyond the basic care model on the Waco campus.

What Ivan’s life lacked before coming to the Boys Ranch was a sense of safety — the foundation he needed to become the person he knew he could be.

“I learned a lot at the ranch,” he said. “Since I’ve been there they’ve been helping me out, showing me different coping skills and therapy. Since I’ve been there I’ve been way better.”

Stewart agrees that finding the safety Ivan needed allowed him to flourish.

“He’s incredibly observant and tends to approach situations with thoughtfulness and care,” Stewart said. “Once he feels safe, he is capable of forming strong, meaningful connections with others.”

That’s something Fry also experienced in her time with Ivan.

“I have deeply valued Ivan’s growth in his areas of emotional regulation and trust,” she said. “Over time, Ivan and I built a strong, trusting relationship rooted in playfulness and honesty. Watching him learn to be open and to trust adults in his life has been inspiring to me.”

With this growing trust in others — and in himself — Ivan has developed greater focus and confidence, especially when it comes to achieving his goals.

“What made me start trying really hard was that I wanted to move to the Waco MCH campus,” he said. “The staff told me to work hard and try to get to Stage 3*. So then I put my mind to it, and I’m here now.”

Ivan’s determination did not go unnoticed. MCH staff recognized his competitive spirit.

“If I lose, I just keep going until I win,” he said.

And win he did, earning numerous medals, awards and even an MVP trophy for his standout performances in basketball games at the Boys Ranch against the MCH staff.

He’s excited to continue that streak at the Waco campus.

“I’m most looking forward to basketball season,” Ivan said.

But Ivan’s goals extend far beyond this basketball season. Like a true leader, he’s already planning ahead.

“To be successful in life is what really motivates me,” he said. “My dream is to make it to the NBA, but first I need to make it to college. I want to study physical therapy, too. You always need a backup plan in case something happens.”

Stewart is confident in Ivan’s future.

“His willingness to reflect and learn from challenges is one of his most powerful traits for long-term success,” Stewart said.

That success will surely continue as he quietly leads and grows in his daily life.

“Watching Ivan grow in confidence in who he is and his ability to be an incredible leader is something I will always remember,” Fry said.

*Stages of Success is a program at MCH designed to help youth make better decisions and understand themselves better. Through the different stages, youth learn key skills around asking for and offering help, becoming more independent and working through challenges with others. As they progress, they earn greater independence and privileges.