Anna is an exceptional addition to the DSST community. Having transitioned into her role while we were in a virtual environment, she has taken on the tremendous challenge of operating online assessments and being an all-star Caregiver.  Read about Anna’s real life parenting woes, notably with Moana on replay, while being a fully committed team member at DSST Public Schools.

Anna with her husband and son Arlo

Caregiver Conversations:

What is meaningful for you about being a DSST Team Member and a Caregiver?

Anna: I am a mother to a very active toddler named Arlo. He’ll be two in November.  If I call him 22 months, no one knows what that means.  :) 

I feel very fortunate to have a very active husband and co-parent, being a caregiver, especially in the world we have lived in since March when your personal life, family life, and home life all get thrown into one general setting.  I have been intentional about codifying my schedule.  Being all-in during parent time and all-in for work-time.  When those lines get blurred, I cannot be a full parent and full person working,  watching Moana and making an excel spreadsheet. 

Arlo at the Nature and Science Museum

Please describe your role within the DSST Network.

Anna: I started at DSST in June, which is an interesting time to decide to make a change in career.  The goodbye at my own school was going to be on Zoom.  I have been very welcomed by folks at DSST.  I’m specifically on the Data and Assessment team as a Sr. Manager of Assessment.  As we’re navigating remote testing and e-school, that same caregiver tendency comes out while I try to help everyone in a timely and kind manner.  I’m a person who is always looking out for others.  I get to do that in my job.

What have you enjoyed most about your new experience at DSST Public Schools?

Anna: Coming to DSST, so many people talked about how family centered DSST is and how they support the whole being.  I have totally felt that here.   I hope more opportunities  for teachers to be honest about their holistic experience of balancing work and life will come from the Caregiver Focus Group, and will add to sustainability for people in the organization.  

Anna and her family enjoying time at the zoo

What are a few winning strategies you have identified to help balance Caregiving and being a DSST team member?

Anna: With all of this, it has taught me I need to speak up and advocate for myself.  Easily for parents and Caregivers, you can fall into a trap of taking care of everyone else. I take care of myself by disconnecting from screens (TV, Phone, Computer) and doing arts and crafts.  In a dream world, I would have the same schedule and routine every day.  It comes down to me being present, whether I’m in full time mom mode or being intentional about what I’m doing at that time.  It helps me create a clear division of that time.  

You have a best version of yourself where you’re early to drop-off and you’re ready.  On your worst day, you watch Moana for the third time and have no groceries in your fridge.  For me, as someone who always has the bar set high, I said I would make organic baby food and do all the things.  I still have the baby bullet in its box.  

What are ways you pursue wellness for yourself?

Anna: I grew up being an athlete.  I swam in college and I use exercise as my means of finding wellness.  Even on this phone call, I’m taking a walk.  Whether it is a workout or going for a walk, getting outside helps a lot, especially when you’re looking at the screen all day.  

I was talking with Steve Coit, he’s my manager, and he asked if we would want to do a socially distanced meeting in our backyards or something.  The idea of a personal interaction was enthusing for me and not being on Zoom or all of these different apps.  

Are there any hobbies or activities you have found to create balance during COVID?

Anna: I am definitely not a very artistic person.  I have in my personality that I’m a good rule-follower and I’d be good at arts and crafts.  I have started an Adults and Crafts subscription; it's an adult’s arts and crafts for everything you need including tie-dye.  It’s an activity that’s allowing me to do something and stay busy.  It has been really fun to take that time and it’s completely ornate.  It’s a mindless way for me to disconnect and do something that’s not on a screen.  Luckily they’re very novice. You can learn more here.   

Anything else you think would be useful and unique for DSST team members to learn more about you.  

Anna: I think in all of this, I can be really hard on myself to say I’m not doing enough.  I wonder if my son is interacting with enough people.  I focus on ensuring my kid is happy and healthy.  I need to be thankful for that and acknowledge that is good enough right now.