Why come to Prep?

Mr. [Allen] Burrell first told me about the position. He was the one to give my name to the Dean [Joe Ryberg]. I used to live in Lincoln and I didn’t really know anything about Creighton Prep before being considered for the job. After I checked Prep’s website, the mission statement spoke to me. Prep is everything I live through.

What did you do before coming to Prep?

I worked in administration at adult and juvenile probation centers in Omaha. When I worked with juveniles, the job was harder and more stressful. As an administrator, I saw the whole cycle of a child on probation. I couldn’t believe some things that I saw actually happened. Sometimes it was like a movie.

Have you always worked in school administration?

Something most people don’t know about me is that I actually started out as a hairdresser. When I worked in Juvenile Administration, it was hard working with kids I couldn’t help.

How was the transition to Prep?

At my old job, I had to learn to cope with hard situations and smile because I knew that there were other kids out there that needed my help. My parents raised me to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. I learned not to judge anyone on how they look or act. This lesson has helped in my transition to Prep.

What is one thing that has surprised you about Prep?

Creighton Prep reminds me of a college. I can easily see how the students are being prepared for college in the way they are taught and expected to act and dress. I want my son to go here one day.

What is your perception of Prep students?

Very positive. This is literally a dream job for me. Compared to where I come from [juvenile probation center], there is way less stress with this job. It’s like a bed of roses. All students are well mannered, well dressed and very respectful. I was raised to be respectful and have good manners so it is very good to see there are young people with those values today.

Is there one aspect of your job Prep students might not know about?

When kids have to meet with the Dean, I talk with them before they go in to meet him. Many students have a bit of an attitude when they do something wrong or wrongfully assume why the Dean wants to talk to them. I talk to them to help with the attitude or calm their nerves.

What is the most rewarding part of your job so far?

Definitely the people. I love the Dean, he is a great boss. All of the kids and adults have been so kind and welcoming to me. The people make me want to be here. My last job was a very tough environment. Prep is very friendly.

What has been the most challenging part of the job so far?

The most challenging part of the job has been the procedure of drug testing here. The paperwork is set up differently here compared to my previous jobs. At Prep, students often wait a week for results. When I worked in probation, officers would need the drug test results immediately.