April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day, and we want to take a moment to celebrate and express our gratitude for the incredible front office admins at DSST. These unsung heroes are the heart of our schools, always ready to help, support, and keep things running smoothly. We love and appreciate everything they do to make our community thrive. To show our appreciation, we’re excited to share some of the wonderful things people have said about them!
Tania Baez - AST
I’d like to nominate Tania Baez from our front office for the Core Value Award of Courage. Despite facing challenging situations daily, Tania consistently demonstrates exceptional bravery in her role. She handles difficult visitors with remarkable composure, never hesitating to enforce company policies, even when met with resistance. Tania’s quiet strength and unwavering resolve make her the perfect recipient for this recognition.
Johanna Lopez - Cedar
Throughout the year, Johanna has shown a great sense of initiative, persistence, and skill associated with the work that we do as Ops team members. Her dedication to continued learning and evolving people leadership skills are apparent throughout her work, and she is an amazing asset to the Cedar team overall!
Liliana Chavez - Cole
Your organization, thoughtfulness, and work ethic keep Cole running like a well-oiled machine and, most importantly, a space where we can rely on each other like family. Thank you for always supporting me (and others, I’m sure) as a professional in my most difficult moments.
Joseline Flores Perez - CV
Joseline es responsable, amable y siempre con buena actitud (Joseline is responsible, kind, and always with a positive attitude.)
Karina Hernandez - CV
Karina is the quiet force that drives so much of what happens at CV. She does not seek the spotlight, but her impact is felt in everything she takes on. The most inspiring thing about Karina is her constant desire to learn! She never backs away from a new challenge or an opportunity to grow. It’s that willingness to adapt and evolve that makes her such a valuable member of the community. No task is too big or challenge too great—she tackles it with grace, focus, and a willingness to grow!
Lourdes Chavez Bernal - CV
She is always willing to help in any way possible. I appreciate her willingness to help out.
Julia Rocha - CG
Julia is the bright face that welcomes students, family, and staff when they enter our building. She is wildly consistent, works to support the entire school, and is the most efficient person I've ever met. The school would crumble without Julia in it!
Martha Velasquez - CG
Ms. Martha is the first and last bastion of Conservatory Green core values each and every day! She unselfishly works with all the Hive, as well as all families and professionals. The kindness within Ms. Martha shines as a beacon for everyone who needs and depends on her professional skills. When Ms. Martha takes on anything needed in the front office, we all feel assured that it will be taken care of with confidence and fairness. DSST Conservatory Green is very fortunate to have Ms. Martha and Ms. Leslie in this key front office role.
Amanda Davis - Elevate
She’s always so willing to help and listen, and she helps me stay motivated through school!
Denisse Gutierrez - Elevate
Beyond their dedication and tireless work ethic, this person is a source of warmth, care, and genuine kindness for all those around her. Denisse consistently goes above and beyond, and her commitment never falters. What truly sets her apart is not just the results of her hard work, but the love and care she pours into every single task. She doesn’t just meet expectations—she always exceeds them, and always with a smile on her face. She takes on the responsibility of her whole school community to ensure that they all thrive together.
Karla Palacios - GVR
Because she is an excellent person, when I go to school with any questions, she helps me. You can see that she does her job with love. She’s not just there for the paycheck; she is a wonderful woman, and I see that she treats everyone with the same care. If everyone at the school were like her, it would be the #1 school.
Katelynn Napier - GVR
Kate has worked so hard to be the best she can be in her FOM role. She does excellent work despite not having an FOA, and she constantly looks for opportunities to grow and improve. She feels responsible for the outcomes of our students and holds others accountable to tasks like attendance in service of those outcomes. Keep up the great work, Kate!
Maria Gonzalez - GVR
Maria is the glue of GVR, and she regularly looks for ways to improve, despite already being a stellar leader. She has a growth mindset that she leverages in service of student outcomes, and she is hungry for feedback and growth. I am constantly impressed by her commitment to improvement and the execution of her work. I am forever grateful to have worked with and learned from her!
Leo Ruiz - MTV
Leo Ruiz exemplifies the core values in many ways. In all of my interactions with Leo, he has shown the utmost level of responsibility and integrity while doing his best to alert and communicate with families. Leo is reliable, accessible, and cares deeply for the students and DSST MTV Middle School.
Thank you all front-office staff for everything you do for our schools, staff, students and families! We are so grateful for you.
