Nancy with Trenton and Taylor.
Nancy Holmberg is an ECEAP Family Advocate in the Child Care & Family Services department.
How long have you worked for ESD 112 and what does your job entail?
18 years all together. 17 years with SWCCC and with ESD112 a little over a year now. I am a Family Service Worker-I work with families that are in our ECEAP preschool program. I support parents with resources, classroom and home visits. We set family goals and follow up accordingly.
What are the biggest differences you see between SWCCC and ECEAP?
With SWCCC, I worked “generally” with families on a daily basis. With ECEAP, however, it is more in-depth work. We set family goals and follow up to see what else we can do for the family; we support them with resources and home visits; we get to know families more closely and become an advocate for them. We get to help families become more self-sufficient.
What do you like best about your job?
I work with a team of very dedicated and caring people who are really good at what they do. Our job is difficult at times, but we band together and support each other.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Saying “no” is difficult. In my line of work that is not a word that is used often. I also need to work on self-care; this job can be mentally exhausting, and it is important to take a break once in a while.
What are some strategies you have for mentally recharging?
Deep breathing, checking out and re-centering myself by taking a walk or closing my eyes…
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a career in preschool work (either SWCCC or ECEAP)?
Take it day by day, situations will happen that make you wonder why you chose this field: BUT, (the advice) count on your co-workers & supervisors, talk to them and get support/advice. Know that you can handle any situation with the right support and guidance.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. Helping people is in my blood!
What was your most interesting past job?
I really enjoyed my time as a Director for SWCCC. But my current job is, by far, the most interesting.
What’s your favorite ESD memory?
Being a part of a supportive and caring team. I couldn’t ask to work with a better team of people who care about families.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever lived?
Definitely when I lived in West Seattle for a year…totally different than Vancouver.
Single? Married? Kids? Pets?
I am a proud single mom with two of the best kids in the world. My son, Trenton, is 21 and a senior at UW (Go Huskies!), and my daughter, Taylor, is 13 and in 8th Grade. I also have a dog (Jake) and a cat named after my favorite snack (Brownie).
What future events are you looking forward to?
Going to the TSO
[Trans Siberian Orchestra] concert in November, and spending time with my kids. I also enjoy spending time with family; we have frequent get-togethers and love to celebrate the holidays together.
What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
Attending my daughter’s dance recitals, creating scrapbook pages, doing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad, and I enjoy movies from the 80’s and 90’s. I love spending time outdoors, gardening or going to the beach too.
What is the funniest thing that you heard or saw recently?
One of my favorite shows – Big Bang Theory! I crack up throughout the whole show… 🙂
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