Our Employee of the Month is Olivia Lawrence from New Jersey!
Olivia was nominated as our instructor of the month for many reasons, one of which was how she truly went above and beyond to support her school’s program during Ms. Gargi’s absence for three weeks. Olivia stepped up in every possible way—running the program seamlessly, taking excellent care of her students, and ensuring that everything operated smoothly.
She consistently came in early each day to fulfill her responsibilities and even volunteered to come in on days she wasn’t scheduled to work. Her dedication, hard work, and commitment to the success of the program deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
Olivia, 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 Olivia below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Olivia Lawrence and I am from Morristown, New Jersey. Right now I am enjoying my career in childcare and hoping to continue learning about child development and the psychology behind it.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have been with Apollo for almost 4 months now.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
I’ve learned a lot about patience. Taking the time to understand not only the children, but also my coworkers. I’ve learned how to work together to make a stable and fun environment for the kids and the staff.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I’ve motivated the students to express themselves and their interests. To think and be creative to learn how to be confident in what they can do.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower I would want to teleport. I could get anywhere at any time.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I can’t say I have just one. I think everyday I go home with some sort of fond memory with a student. I enjoy doing the daily activities, the students are excited to do them, and it’s always so fun to see how much fun the children are having when they are creating something of their own.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would spend my time volunteering in my community with a bible based study program. I would also take the time to spend with my family and find activities that can help me be more useful to my community. I would also travel the world and learn about new cultures.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique would be to have a brain break. Help the children if it gets out of hand to take a second to recompose and get ourselves in a calmer state.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
An unusual place I have been to is Breakneck trail in New York!
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can play the piano. I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be patient with your students, each child is different and has different needs.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
My favorite classroom attention getter is 123 eyes on me.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I do volunteer work; I offer free home bible studies with the people in my community.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks with my family. Sometimes we will go visit family in Europe.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I love them both!
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
I love my co-worker. Shoutout to Ms.Gargi. She makes it enjoyable to go to work, and I also love the kids I work with. We have great relationships.
