Our Employee of the Month is Lisa Green from Washington D.C.!
For the past three years, Ms. Lisa has exemplified outstanding leadership, dedication, and a true passion for serving students. As Site Director at Young, she consistently goes above and beyond to create an engaging, organized, and inclusive program.
In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Ms. Lisa voluntarily leads enrichment clubs such as cheerleading, basketball, drama, and knitting, ensuring all students have opportunities to explore new interests and talents. Her commitment to student success and creating a positive program environment truly embodies Apollo’s mission and values.
Lisa, 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 Lisa below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
Hello my name is Ms. Lisa. I’m a Site Director at Apollo and I’ve worked with kids 20+ years. I come from a career focused on helping systems run fairly and effectively, and I’m continuing to build on that by growing my expertise and impact.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I have taught with Apollo for 3 years.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that teaching is less about having all the answers and more about meeting people where they are. Progress happens when students feel seen, supported, and challenged in the right way.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate students by making the work feel achievable, relevant, and encouraging. I set clear goals, break big tasks into smaller steps, and give specific praise so students can see their progress and confidence grow.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d choose instant understanding—the ability to fully understand any person, problem, or situation the moment I encounter it. That would make it easier to help people well, avoid misunderstandings, and solve hard problems faster.
6. What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
Looking back at all the kids that were excited to be a part of all the clubs I’ve created.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I’d focus on a few things:
- Deepen my expertise in areas I care about—like education law, by reading, writing, and maybe mentoring others.
- Spend more time with my grandson
- Tackle home projects I’ve been putting off, like maintenance, and learn the skills to do them myself.
- Travel around the U.S., especially in the Mid-Atlantic region, to discover new places and enjoy fewer schedule constraints.
- Volunteer or do advisory work on causes I care about, without the pressure of a full-time job.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique for handling “handful students” is to stay calm, use a respectful tone, and give them choices instead of commands. I describe the behavior and its impact, listen to their perspective, and then offer clear options with consequences attached.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
Honestly, I haven’t been anywhere unusual—just around the east coast doing my normal things.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can figure out how to fix most household appliances and maintenance issues. It’s not glamorous, but it’s handy.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Get to know your students (or people you’re mentoring). Make it personal. Connect what you’re teaching them to real life situations.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
1, 2, 3 — eyes on me!” / 1, 2 — eyes on you! Clap your hands once, clap your hands twice, clap your hands three times.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Taking care of my mom.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
Cleaning up my house, interviewing people for Apollo, and preparing myself for the upcoming school year.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or are they both lame?
They’re both lame.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
Making sure each child leaves with a craft or a smile on their face.
