Ms. Courtney, site supervisor for Elver Park Neighborhood Center After School program, is one of the biggest cheerleaders of you’ll ever meet. Loved by all who know her, Ms. Courtney is always willing to help, support, give a hug, and almost always has a smile on her face.
Q1: When did you start working with Wisconsin Youth Company and what has been your favorite memory so far?
I started working for WYC in February 2019. Going on three years – yay!
My favorite parts are the families we serve who entrust me and my staff to keep their children safe; being with Elver Park Neighborhood Center and serving the youth, watching them grow from the elementary program and into the teen program; and of course the stories you hear.
Q2: What is the most important thing you learned as a child that still applies today?
Do not judge a book by its cover. We are all unique and come from different walks of life, and we all have different stories to tell.
Q3: Who was a mentor you looked up to when you were younger? Why did you look up to them?
When I was younger, the mentor that I looked up to was my mother. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. Being able to watch her in her element and see how powerful her work was along with the bond and growth that she had with all of the kids that she taught and families. Still to this day I run into her past students who still remember her decades later. Absolutely amazing!
Q4: What is your favorite part about working with kids?
No single day is the same. I love when they get off the bus and starting calling my name with smiles on their face. They run up to give me the biggest hug while telling me all that happened at school and on the bus. It is so rewarding.
Say “hi” next time you see Ms. Courtney!