Staff Spotlight: Yesenia Fernandez
Yesenia Fernandez is the secretary at the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Hockanum School. She keeps very busy as she strives to provide great service to the preschool families, the staff in her building, and the community members interested in learning more about ECLC’s programs.
“Yesenia has a very calm, professional demeanor. She's very supportive. She thinks out of the box when parents come in and need some help. She's always willing to help anyone with anything. She just is the glue that keeps us all together,” said ECLC Principal Renee Byers.
“She helps staff with any questions they have with their new time card, how they need to put in for days off. She helps parents with, you know, who they need to speak with,” added Byers. “There's a lot of moving parts here with different programs, so she's very good about getting down to the nitty gritty of what are they here for and who do they need to see. That can be very confusing for families when they first come in, but she keeps her calm demeanor and just helps them with whatever their question is.”
Learn more about Yesenia Fernandez in the Q&A below.
How long have you worked for East Hartford Public Schools?
Fernandez: I'm going on my third year working for the East Hartford Public School District. Basically we moved back to Hartford, and I wanted something to match my kids’ schedule. So I decided to look for something in the school system and it’s been great. I mean, especially here at the ECLC, just the parents, the coworkers, the children, seeing them every morning with their smiling faces coming to school. It’s been a great experience working here.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Fernandez: A typical day for me would be just coming in, as soon as I come in, the phone is ringing – parents inquiring about busses, excusing their kids. Then, multitasking here and there, wherever I'm needed. Other than being in the front desk, bringing children to their classroom, if teachers are in need of a supply I'll bring it to them, updating reports, when staff are out making sure that we have appropriate staff to cover. So pretty much whatever's going on that day, then, you know, we'll work on it.
We're not just always sitting on as desk. I'm constantly on the go. I always say as the secretary, you’re like the first point of contact. You know, especially when people call, who are they talking to? To the secretary. When they come in as a visitor, you know, basically I'm the first point of contact.
Knowing that you’re that first contact at ECLC for a lot of people, what is your goal with all of those interactions you have throughout the day?
Fernandez: The interaction is everything. I think that it's very important when a parent is coming in, a visitor, outside provider, or somebody calling about the program, just making sure I'm giving them the best service.
What do you like most about your job?
Fernandez: I think the interacting. I really like interacting with the parents and with the staff. So just being in the front and being able to talk to everybody, I really enjoy that.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
Fernandez: I would say just being that to-go person when somebody needs something. Hey Yesenia, can you help me with this? Hey Yesenia, do you think you can check this out for me? And you know, even if I have to stop what I'm doing, I have no problem with that. Just that feeling of being able to help somebody.