Our Employee of the Month is Julie Marino from Ohio.
Julie Marino joined the Apollo team in July 2021, and has excelled in her role as Area Coordinator! She is hard working, consistent, and an amazing problem solver, who never stops showing her dedication to her staff, students, and the program as a whole.
Julie, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and area coordinator!
To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift card.
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Julie Marino, and I am the Ohio Area Coordinator for Apollo After School. I grew up in Solon, Ohio, and I attended Bowling Green State University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Upon Graduation, I was the Program Director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo for two years. In 1994, I began my teaching career with Detroit Public Schools. I taught in a PK-8 school where I had the opportunity to teach many grade levels. During my time in Detroit, I also received my Masters in Teaching from Marygrove College. My last 3 years in Detroit were spent as the Success for All Reading coach for the school I taught at for so many years. I really loved my time in the diverse Detroit community. I returned to Aurora, Ohio in 2014 to be closer to my family. Upon my return to Ohio, I worked as a Human Resource Manager for a local restaurant group. During this time, I also managed the Best in Class tutoring center in Solon. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to reevaluate what I wanted to do in my years before retirement. The Area Coordinator position with Apollo has been a true blessing to me. I love being back in the schools and interacting with students, staff and parents.
I am the mom to two amazing adult children. My daughter Ariana is currently a junior at Ohio University and my son is living and working in Michigan. Time with my family is precious. I am grateful that Apollo recognizes this and values and supports family time.
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- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I began this journey with Apollo in July of 2021. It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed my first year with Apollo and look forward to year two.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
Over my years working with students, I have come to realize, I am only entrusted with their care for a short time. During my time with them, I want to make sure I leave a positive mark on each student’s life.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
Making sure they feel valued and loved goes a long way in students feeling motivated to succeed.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
My most memorable memory from my time with Apollo was getting started. There was so much excitement around this new venture in Ohio. Setting up each location, meeting so many new people and seeing the smiling faces of students and their families has been a true highlight.
- 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 not worry about money, family would be at the top of my list. Spending time with my children will always be my favorite thing. I would probably move away from the cold Ohio weather, preferably close to a beach where I could spend time reading and enjoying the outdoors. I would also love to be able to donate time to teaching young children to love reading.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique for dealing with “handful students” is to let them know you value them as an individual and really show interest in what they love. Watching a student light up when they tell you about something they love is truly an inspiration. Once a student knows they are valued they become motivated in a more positive way.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
When my kids were growing up, we spent a week every summer at Higgins Lake in Michigan. While it may not be that unusual, this was a magical family time of days at the beach swimming in the clear water, ice cream trips, bonfires and exploring nature. Northern Michigan is so beautiful, I highly recommend traveling there at least once.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
My number one teaching tip is that people in general do best with a routine and clear expectations. Establishing a routine and expectations early will help things to run smoothly throughout the year.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
I am an avid reader. I love spending time with a good book and read close to 100 books a year. I am involved in a book club and also love discussing books with friends and in online groups.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend my summer breaks with family and friends. I like to travel when I have the time. I also spend a lot of time reading. I love floating in the pool with a good book.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
I am not a fan of Star Wars, but I do remember spending time watching Star Trek with my dad when I was a child.
Recently, my favorite TV shows have been Ozark, The Queen’s Gambit, Bridgerton, and Virgin River. I can also spend hours on a cold snowy day watching reruns of Law and Order, Friends and Seinfeld.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
My favorite thing about working with Apollo is the opportunity to work with so many different people. The Apollo staff at each one of my schools is so unique, and I truly value the work they do each day with students. The Apollo administrative staff has been so welcoming and helpful during my first year. It has been wonderful meeting people from all over the world during this first year. I am very excited for year two in Ohio as we continue to learn and grow.
