Our Employee of the Month is Heaven Holiday from New Jersey!
Heaven Holiday is an exemplary professional whose strong work ethic, adaptability, and positive spirit consistently shine through in everything she does. During our summer camp program, she led her unit with tremendous enthusiasm, energy, and dedication, creating an environment where both campers and staff felt supported and encouraged.
One of Heaven’s greatest strengths is her ability to pivot when circumstances change. She approaches challenges with composure, flexibility, and a solutions-focused mindset while maintaining the high level of professionalism expected of a leader. Her timeliness, preparation, reliability, and attention to detail make her someone who can consistently be counted on.
Equally impressive is Heaven’s warm and affectionate approach to working with children. She balances genuine care and compassion with professionalism, structure, and leadership. Her infectious energy and great spirit have made a lasting impact on our program.
Heaven, 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 Heaven below:
- Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
I’m Heaven Holliday. I’m 21 years old and from North Jersey. I’m currently a psychology major at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University and I’m graduating a semester early in December. After graduation, I plan to start graduate school and eventually become a child counseling psychologist. I’ve always enjoyed working with children, so I want to continue doing that in my future career.
- How long have you been teaching with Apollo?
I’ve been with Apollo since August 2024. I started as an educator and became a Site Director in February 2025, so I’ve been with Apollo for a little over two years now.
- What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that every child is different. What works for one student may not work for another, so you have to take the time to understand each child and figure out what they need from you.
- How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I motivate my students by encouraging them and making sure they know when they’re doing a good job. I also try to make things fun and give them activities they actually enjoy. I think children do better when they feel supported instead of feeling like they’re constantly being told what they’re doing wrong.
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I’m always busy and constantly going from one place to another, so being able to teleport would make my life so much easier. Plus, I love traveling, so being able to go anywhere whenever I wanted would be perfect.
- What is your most memorable memory from your time as an Apollo instructor?
I think my most memorable memories are the relationships I’ve built with my students. Leaving School 10 and having the going away activities with the kids would probably be one of them. I spent a lot of time with those students, so knowing I created a space where they were comfortable with me and then having to leave for School 7 was definitely memorable.
- If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would focus on my career and continue working toward becoming a child counseling psychologist. Even if I didn’t have to worry about money, I would still want to work with children and do something meaningful with my psychology degree. I would also spend more time traveling, relaxing, and enjoying life with my friends and family.
- What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
My go-to technique is figuring out why they’re acting the way they are instead of immediately assuming they’re just being difficult. I try talking to them one-on-one, redirecting them, giving them choices, and being consistent with expectations. I also think building a relationship with them makes handling behaviors much easier.
- What is an unusual place you have been to?
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere that I would consider unusual.
- Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
Honestly, I don’t think I have a hidden talent that not many people know about.
- What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Build a relationship with your students. When children know that you actually care about them and respect them, they’re more likely to listen to you, communicate with you, and feel comfortable coming to you when something is wrong.
- What’s your favorite classroom Attention Getter?
I don’t really have a favorite classroom attention getter. I usually just get my students’ attention naturally when I need everyone to listen.
- What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Apollo After School?
Outside of Apollo, I’m the former President (because I’m graduating soon) and now Secretary/Treasurer of the Kaptivating Kappa Phi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I’m involved in planning programs, community service, fundraisers, campus events, and collaborations with other organizations. As well as cheer at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, which is another way I stay involved on campus and show school spirit while also being a full-time psychology student.
- How do you spend your summer breaks?
I spend a lot of my summer working with children. This past summer, I worked as a summer camp unit leader where I planned activities, supervised students and counselors, went on trips, and helped make sure everything ran smoothly. I also try to make time for traveling and having fun when I can.
- Star Wars, Star Trek, or are they both lame?
I wouldn’t say either one is lame, but if I had to choose one to watch, I’d pick Star Wars because of the Phineas and Ferb Star Wars episode.
- What do you like most about working with Apollo?
What I like most is being able to build relationships with the children and create an environment where they feel comfortable, supported, and excited to come to the program. I also like being able to plan activities and watch the kids actually enjoy something I helped put together. Becoming a Site Director has also given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, work with staff and families, and take on more responsibility.
