People you should know/Wally Allstun

Age: 57.

Key responsibilities: I am the co-owner and am involved in marketing, promotion, education, intervention, prevention and counseling employees.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau: From 1977, I lived in Jackson until 1996, when I moved to Cape Girardeau.

Original hometown: St. Louis, though I was born in Orangeburg, S.C.

Education: Master's in psychological counseling, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Licensed Professional Counselor.

Community involvement: Chamber of Commerce, Consumer Debt Counseling Service Advisory Board, Career and Technology Center Advisory Board.

Professional background: Deputy juvenile officer for St. Louis city and St. Louis County; chief juvenile officer for Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties; occupational program consultant.

Name a Cape Girardeau businessperson you admire: I admire Dr. James Drickey because he is a fine example of professional and personal integrity.

Last book read: "Prayer of Jabez" and "The Lord of the Rings."

What did you want to be as a child: An airplane mechanic like my father.

How did you choose this career: I had a desire to assist people in making healthier life choices.

What's the biggest obstacle you've overcome and how: Seeking the approval of others, overcoming this for the most part by receiving assistance from others in order to develop self-respect and integrity.

What advice could you give someone new to your field: Be accountable for yourself and to others, and by all means be patient with yourself and others.

Hobbies, interests: Camping, historic reenactments (around 1760-1780), golf.

What accomplishment are you most proud of: Marriage. Developing a spiritual relationship with my wife/best friend; building a business that will assist others; and my children and their accomplishments.

Secret ambition: To tandem skydive (ONE time only).

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

If you know someone who should be featured in "People You Should Know," contact Scott Moyers at 335-6611, extension 137, or by e-mail at smoyers@ semissourian.com.