Shalena Raner is a Secretary in the Early Care & Education department.

Shalena and her husband, Danny

How long have you worked for ESD 112 and what does your job entail?

I have worked for ESD 112 since August 6th, 2018. I support all the Birth to age 5 child care centers, ECEAP, and Early Head Start.

What do you like best about your job?

I like knowing that I am making an impact on the community. I may not be working directly with the children, but I know how important my role is making the center run successfully. I order all the toys/supplies for the centers and I love opening all the boxes when they come in. It feels like Christmas!

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Freight, definitely freight. Prior to working here, I hardly ever lifted something over 10 pounds. Let’s just say I am getting quite the arm muscle coming in.

Single? Married? Kids? Pets?

I am a newlywed! My husband and I tied the knot back on April 12th, 2018. We went to Disney World for our honeymoon! We do not have any children yet, but we want to soon! We have a dog that I decided to spontaneously adopt one day. His name is Barkley and he just wants to eat and sleep all day, every day.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I love going thrift shopping. I am the kind of person who will buy something I don’t need just because it’s a good deal. I don’t like to admit this but… I love reality TV. Big Brother is my all-time FAVORITE show. I love water activities and playing with my 3 nieces, Penelope (4), Layla (5 months), and Camilla (3).

If your coworkers wanted to surprise you with a little treat sometime what should it be?

Anything chocolatey or fruity. I love candy and sweets. Fruit covered in chocolate is always a winner in my book!

What is something that no one would guess about you if they just met you?

I am a makeup artist! I graduated from the Art of Makeup in 2016. I am trained in special fx, airbrush, bridal, theater, drag, and film makeup. I have gone on to work on films, music videos, weddings, and even had the opportunity to do all the children’s makeup for the “Nutcracker” at the Keller auditorium.

What fad do you wish would come back? Which do you feel should stay gone forever?

Crimped hair, blue eye shadow, and leg warmers!

I feel like the “romphims” can go! For those of you not familiar, it’s a man romper.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Halloween. I LOVE dressing up. I take it very seriously. I love to be able to be silly and feel like a kid again. Also, I love the candy!

What is the meaning/story behind your name?

My mom wanted to name me Keisha but one day my sister, who was 5 at the time, came home with a new doll. My mom asked her what she named it and she said Shalena. My mom had no idea where she came up with this name but she loved it. Fun Fact: I went by Lena when I was younger because I didn’t like my name because no one could spell it or pronounce it properly. When I turned 18, I decided to embrace it.

If you had been born the opposite gender, what would your parents have named you?

If I was born a male, name would have been Kevin. Apparently. My mom really liked names that started with a K.

What did you want to be when you were little?

I don’t remember this but my best friend’s mom tells me I always said I wanted to work at Subway and be a sandwich artist.