(Photo/Cameron S.)

On a day-to-day basis, what does your job entail?

Supporting the students and making sure that they have everything they need. I attend  team meetings, have an advisory and occasionally support disciplinary situations. 

How are you liking the job so far?

I love it. It’s wonderful everyday. Having graduated from Academy, it means a lot to me to be an active part of the community.

How has the transition been for your family coming to Ohio?

Compared to California: the biggest challenge is the weather. Otherwise, it’s been good. My kids (grades 2 and 5) love being at Academy. They’re doing sports clinics and activities, and it has been wonderful for them to be a part of this beautiful campus. 

Can you talk about Academy as your Alma Mater?

Academy is a standard-bearer for me. Having been in education for over twenty years, I have worked at different schools, but my experiences and relationships to become a part of this school’s culture here is an opportunity I could only dream of.

What differences are apparent to you since you last saw the school?

I was a member of the first co-ed class to graduate from Academy. I think the obvious answer is how much better-balanced things are now, from a gender perspective. I graduated in a class of 60 that had 45 boys and only 15 girls. Seeing the growth that Academy has made not only physically and that the core of Academy has remained intact and the culture is strong is remarkable. As different as the school may seem, the parts that matter the most to me shine through and have persisted.

Have you seen any former classmates?

Yes. Reconnecting with people that have meant so much to me. Even when I was here as a student, and now as a faculty member, I knew it was going to be meaningful to reconnect with those people, but the depth of that has surprised me. Seeing alums whose kids also attend Academy now has been wonderful. Plus, no two days are going to be the same. While that is a challenge, it is a challenge that I appreciate and love.