Our Employee of the Month is Julissa Rosario from Chicago, IL.!
Julissa attention to detail, exceptional support with staffing needs, scheduling, and timely reminders consistently helps our team succeed. The genuine care she shows for our staff, along with her hands-on involvement in daily operations, makes a meaningful difference every day. Her willingness to step in, support others, and ensure everything runs smoothly is an invaluable asset to Apollo. We are incredibly grateful to have Julissa on our team and truly appreciate her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Julissa, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher.
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.
Check out our interview with Julissa below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I am currently an Assistant Area Coordinator with Apollo After School in Chicago, Illinois, where I have the privilege of supporting students, educators, and school communities every day. Beyond my career, I am an educator, traveler, explorer, empath, and a proud aunt who values meaningful relationships and lifelong learning.
I was born and raised in Chicago, a city that has shaped my resilience, work ethic, and appreciation for diverse cultures. My heritage is a blend of Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, and Mexican roots—my paternal grandparents are from Puerto Rico, while my maternal grandparents are from Guatemala and Mexico. My cultural background has instilled in me a deep appreciation for family, community, and embracing different perspectives.
I love experiencing new adventures with family and friends, trying new things, and creating lasting memories. Whether I’m traveling to a new destination or simply enjoying quality time with the people I love, I believe in living fully in the present and making the most of every opportunity.
My favorite place in the world is anywhere by the beach. Listening to the sound of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze, and being in the water brings me a sense of peace and happiness unlike anywhere else.
As I look toward the future, I hope to continue growing both personally and professionally, making a meaningful impact through education and leadership. One day, I dream of retiring somewhere tropical, where I can enjoy the ocean, embrace a slower pace of life, and continue exploring the beauty of the world.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been with Apollo After School since January 2023. I began my journey as an afternoon educator, working directly with students and creating engaging, enriching experiences in the classroom. As I grew within the organization, I took on additional leadership responsibilities, which eventually led me to my current role as Assistant Area Coordinator. My experience has allowed me to develop as both an educator and a leader, and I am grateful for the opportunities Apollo has provided to grow professionally while making a positive impact on students, families, and staff.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned since becoming an educator is that every child is unique and learns differently. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching. Each student has different strengths, challenges, interests, and ways of processing information, so it’s important to be flexible and meet them where they are.
Over the years, I’ve learned to build a “toolbox” of teaching strategies, behavior management techniques, and creative approaches that I can adapt to each student’s individual needs. Sometimes all it takes is trying a different method, changing your communication style, or finding what motivates a particular child. Being patient, observant, and willing to adjust has taught me that the best educators are lifelong learners who continue to expand their toolbox so they can help every student succeed.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students to succeed by creating a positive, encouraging, and supportive environment where they feel safe to learn and grow. I remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn. When they face challenges, I encourage them to take a deep breath, talk through the problem, get back up, and try again.
I believe that confidence grows through perseverance, so I celebrate effort just as much as achievement. I consistently remind my students that they are capable, that setbacks are temporary, and that with patience, determination, and their best effort, they can overcome challenges and reach their goals. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone who believes in them until they begin to believe in themselves.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, I would choose the ability to teleport. I absolutely love traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures, but I don’t enjoy the time it takes to get there—especially long drives or flights. Being able to teleport would allow me to visit anywhere in the world instantly, spend more time making memories and discovering new adventures, and less time traveling. It would be the perfect superpower for someone who is always looking for the next place to explore.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable experience as an Apollo instructor was my first end-of-the-year celebration as a Site Director at William Gray. That day was incredibly meaningful because it represented a year filled with hard work, growth, and dedication—not only for me as a leader but for our entire Apollo team and the students we served.
Throughout the school year, I watched our classroom transform. Students grew academically, socially, and emotionally, building confidence, friendships, and new skills along the way. Seeing everyone come together at the end-of-the-year celebration to recognize those accomplishments was incredibly rewarding. The joy on the students’ faces, the pride they felt in themselves, and the sense of community we had created reminded me why I chose to become an educator. It was a true celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and success, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
If I could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, I would spend my time traveling the world while continuing to do what I love most—educating and making a difference in the lives of others.
I would love the opportunity to visit different countries, experience new cultures, and teach children English, life skills, and lessons that help them grow with confidence. Education has always been my passion, and I believe learning goes beyond the classroom. I would want to connect with communities around the world, share knowledge, learn from others, and create meaningful experiences with children and families everywhere I go.
My dream would be to combine my love for travel, exploration, and teaching to make a positive impact while experiencing the beauty and diversity of the world.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique for working with students who may be having a challenging moment is leading with kindness, patience, and active listening. I believe that many times, students act out because they are feeling unheard, overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to express what they need.
I make an effort to get down to their eye level and create a safe space for conversation. I might ask questions like, “Is something bothering you?” “Did something happen that caused you to make that choice?” or “How can I help you feel better?” I want students to know that their feelings matter while also helping them understand that their choices and actions have an impact.
If communication alone is not enough in that moment, I offer students an opportunity to take a break and reset. Sometimes that means taking a walk with me, stepping away from the group, getting some fresh air, or simply grabbing a drink of water. Giving students a chance to regulate their emotions and feel supported often helps them return ready to participate and make better choices.
At the end of the day, I believe every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Building trust and relationships is the foundation for helping students grow, learn, and succeed.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
An unusual and unforgettable place I have been to was Curaçao. It was actually a spontaneous, last-minute trip that I decided to take, and it turned into an incredible adventure.
I love exploring new places and stepping outside of my comfort zone, so having the opportunity to experience Curaçao’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and unique atmosphere was something I will always remember. The trip reminded me of the importance of being open to new experiences and embracing opportunities when they come your way. Some of the best memories are often the ones you don’t plan far in advance.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
No.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
My number one teaching tip is to lead with patience and listening. Every student is different, and taking the time to truly listen helps build trust, understanding, and meaningful connections.
Patience allows us to recognize that growth does not happen overnight, and every child learns and develops at their own pace. By listening to students—their ideas, concerns, and feelings—we are better able to understand their needs and support them in the best way possible.
I believe that when students feel heard, valued, and respected, they are more confident, engaged, and willing to learn. A strong relationship built on patience and communication is the foundation for creating a positive and successful learning environment.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
One of my favorites is, “Macaroni and cheese,” and the students respond, “All eyes on me!” I also love using seasonal attention getters, like during the fall when I say, “Hocus Pocus,” and the students respond, “Time to focus.”
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Outside of Apollo After School, one of the most meaningful programs I am involved in is teaching mindfulness and meditation to high school students through a six-week After School Matters program during the summer.
In this role, I guide students through lessons focused on 23 core mindfulness principles that help them develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and personal growth. I enjoy creating a space where students can slow down, reflect, learn more about themselves, and build skills they can carry with them beyond the classroom.
This experience has been incredibly rewarding because it allows me to connect with students differently and support their social-emotional development. It has also strengthened my own growth as an educator by reminding me of the importance of mindfulness, patience, and creating meaningful connections with young people.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks balancing my passion for education with making time for adventure, relaxation, and creating memories with the people I love.
During the summer, I teach high school students through a six-week After School Matters program focused on mindfulness and personal growth. I enjoy continuing to support students during the summer months and creating meaningful learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting.
When I am not teaching, I love to travel, take spontaneous trips, visit the lake, go swimming, and explore everything the city has to offer. I enjoy attending outdoor festivals, carnivals, and community events with my family and friends. Summer is my favorite time to recharge, try new experiences, and make lasting memories with the people who are important to me.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or are they both lame?
Neither.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like most about working with Apollo is the opportunity to meet, connect, and build relationships with so many different people throughout the city. Every day brings the chance to work with amazing students, supportive staff members, school administrators, and Apollo team members from different backgrounds and experiences.
One of the things I value most about my role is being able to visit and support multiple school communities. Currently, I work across eight different schools, and each location has its own unique culture, challenges, and successes. Being able to learn from each community while also providing support and encouragement has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey with Apollo.
I truly enjoy the relationships I have built along the way and the opportunity to make a positive impact not just with students, but with the entire school community.
