Barbara Oden has a passion for life and a desire to help others thrive.  She has been employed by Dow Chemical since 1981 and plans to retire in a few years.   

After becoming an empty nester in 2005, Barbara wanted to figure out her next season assignment.  She has attended many writers’ conferences, studied under great authors, and has been published in several collaborative works. She has also co-authored two devotional books.  But something wasn’t right.  She finally realized she was in the wrong role!  Editing was her passion and so she set off to make it a reality.

Though Barbara had a degree in Business from Brazosport College, she went back to school late in life and graduated magna cum laude in 2024 with a BS degree in Psychology with an emphasis in crisis counseling.  During her time at Liberty University, she taught trauma classes at a non-profit organization, catering to women who had been sexually exploited.   

In 2024, her love for books brought her back to editing.  After much prayer, Barbara became a silver member of the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network.  She felt it necessary to obtain further certification from the PEN Institute before coming on board as a freelance editor with the Christian Editor Connection.

Barbara enjoys teaching Bible study at her church and occasionally speaking at conferences.  She loves to knit, read, and take an annual trip to Cabo with her Cabo Girls.  Card night with her Dow Girls allows for fun while trying out new recipes on them. Time with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson brings her joy.  Playing with her thirteen-year-old rescue dog, Max, fills her heart. Above all, she cherishes her relationship with Jesus.