EDCOE Team Member Spotlight - Eileen Hartley, Program Assistant, Personnel Services

00:00 AM - December 08, 2020

 

Interview with Eileen

Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).

I was born and raised in Redding, California until 2004, when my husband, Gary, and I moved to Folsom. We have five children and six grandchildren between the two of us and are hoping for more (grandchildren, that is)I have three sisters and one brother and am grateful that we all stay in touch. I worked for the Shasta County Counsel’s Office and then in the private legal field for close to 20 years. After a serious medical condition and some time off, I went to work for the Shasta County Office of Education in Redding. I was interested in continuing in the education field, so applied for and accepted a Program Assistant position with EDCOE.

What is your department, title, primary work location, and how long have you worked for EDCOE?

In 2004 I came to EDCOE as a Program Assistant in the Curriculum & Instruction department. Two years later I took a promotional opportunity in Personnel Services and have been there ever since. It’s really a fun department to work in because I get to meet the new employees that we recruit and watch them grow and succeed in their role in the organization. I have very much appreciated all the friendships I’ve made working in Personnel Services and with EDCOE.

Describe how your role helps support programs/schools/students directly or indirectly.

My role really encompasses supporting the Executive Director and Personnel Coordinator who, along with the other team members, provide excellent support to our programs and districts. I work mostly behind the scenes in keeping the Team informed and connected!

What are you and your team doing to support education in El Dorado County during COVID-19?

As we know, it has been an adjustment in many ways for EDCOE to support education during these COVID times. Our team has worked together to bring new processes forward to accommodate the services we provide; i.e., testing, interviewing and onboarding. We continue to make strides in fine tuning our processes and procedures using technology in hopes of bringing even better service to our employees, districts, and those with whom we come in contact every day.

What do you most appreciate about your department/team?

We’ve tapped into the creativity and talents of our team to improve what we do and this has helped us grow together. We can continue to do great things for EDCOE as we invest the time in openly communicating, working side by side, and pursuing the vision of an even better Personnel Services! On a personal level, I appreciate how much we all care about each other and are there for each other in times of need and support. It takes a team, and we’ve a got a great one!

What is your proudest moment at EDCOE? Why?

Back in 2014, I received the Outstanding Service Award which took me quite by surprise. I come to work, do my best, and don’t really expect to be recognized for it. However, I appreciated the thanks I received and realized that I do make a difference.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy fitness (running, spinning, weightlifting, yoga, hiking), nutrition, reading, listening to music and spending time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. Gary and I are both volunteers for CHP, the Folsom Police Department, HART House of Folsom, and are “greeters” at our church.

What is something many people may not know about you?

In December 1994, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which was discovered when I gave birth to our daughter. My chances of survival were questionable, but I made it! Because of this, I was nominated to run the Olympic Torch when it came through Redding for the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It was such an honor in many ways, and I was grateful for this opportunity. I have the torch hanging on the wall in our weight room. It’s quite cool!

If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I think it would Mother Teresa. She was such a humble, giving, and selfless person who poured herself out to others and expected nothing in return. I would like to be more like her that way; a better human.

“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ rather he will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?”

From supervisor Amy Andersen, Executive Director, Personnel Services:

Eileen Hartley is someone who strives to always make things better; in fact it is evident that her goal is to approach each and every task with commitment and exceptional results. She is one of the most committed colleagues and her work is often not showcased. She works tirelessly on every project. To say her teamwork is appreciated is an understatement. I think our team would all say Eileen is the glue that holds us together. Eileen is always modest, but her relentless commitment to EDCOE needs to be recognized.

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