Laura Gallegos (formerly Singleton) is a Secretary II for Spero Center in the Specialized Student Services department.

How long have you been in your position?

I have been here a little over 1 year with this program, and prior to that I worked about 3 years with the ECE program in Early Teaching & Learning department.

Who is your supervisor?

Sara Hatch

How many employees work in your program?

There are 10 employees total – 2 teachers, 1 counselor, 5 outreach coordinators, my manager & myself.

Who are your program’s customers?

We serve middle & high school students that have mental health challenges that keep them from participating in a regular school setting.

Do you work with other agencies?

We partner with various agencies in the direct work we do to support our students. We work closely with our students’ community mental health teams which can vary (e.g. Catholic Community Services, Family Solutions, Children’s Home Society, etc.).

Where do employees in your program work?

Back in the day (pre-COVID), employees worked in either one or both of our or locations which are Longview or here in our Vancouver location. Some employees meet off site with students or families as well.  Currently, we work part-time from home and the rest in the office.

What are your biggest strengths – what expertise can you share with the group?

Being flexible and just going with the flow, as things change constantly.

What do you like most about working here?

I love knowing that there is a place for students to go if the need additional educational help that a regular school environment does not offer.  Also, I work with such a great group of co-workers that are so dedicated to helping student with their struggles.

What is the best memory you have from your work here so far?

My best memory is being a part for all the planning of this new program, and seeing our center come together from start to finish.