Lisa Love
Children's Center Attendant
Walker Children's Center
Lisa Love joined San Diego Unified on March 16, 1995, and has worked at Walker Children's Center for her entire 18-year career. Love has been integral in developing the culture at Walker CDC, which provides a 12-month education enrichment program for preschool-age children.
As a Children's Center Attendant, Love's role is "to maintain buildings and facilities of a Children's Center in a clean, sanitary and safe manner," but she does so much more.
Love is a dedicated and hard worker. She takes responsibility for the program and can be relied on to support students, staff members, and parents. The school grounds are neat and tidy because of the pride and ownership Love takes in her work. If there is something that needs to be fixed or repaired, Love will get it done immediately. She unites the staff and will help in any way she can.
When her son Jared joined the United States Army, Love became involved as a leader with the Family Readiness Group. She helps families cope with the unknown when loved ones are deployed. When a soldier was going to miss the birth of his first child, she made arrangements for him to watch the birth of his child on Skype.
Love is very thoughtful and supportive of the students, staff members, and parents at Walker CDC. The students look up to "Ms. Lisa" and miss her when she is not there. She also participates actively in school projects, parties and field trips.
An example of Lisa's initiative: She created the Parking Lot Patrol to make sure parents have a place to park and students can enter school safely. She supports the staff by helping them find solutions to address problems, gives them a card when they lose a loved one, or brings comfort and food to someone in need.
Love is recognized for her amazing contributions to the students, parents, staff, and community members.
Runner Up
Jolene Ress
Jolene Ress has been an employee of San Diego Unified School District for nearly 15 years and has worked in various positions, primarily at the district office, including Parent Support Liaison, Secretary III, and Clerk Typist III prior to joining the staff at Montgomery.
Ress exudes professionalism, enthusiasm and care and possesses an excellent work ethic. She is methodical, organized and detailed, and is always willing to show initiative and go the extra mile. Ress leads by example and has created an organized office environment. She has built good relations with the students, staff and community members, serving as a respected resource for both staff and students.
She also volunteers in the Linda Vista community where Montgomery Middle School is located. She volunteers for the Linda Vista Civic Association, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) summer family outreach program, elementary feeder school outreach, and the School Site Council. She is an asset to the community of learners at Montgomery Middle School.