Who: Andrea Straughan, program director at Fox Hill
When: 18 years (started out at Harcourt Elementary school as a program assistant and shortly after was promoted to program director)
Favorite color: Green for money — after all, who doesn’t like money?
Favorite season: Not sure
Favorite ice cream: Caramel Praline from Baskin Robbin’s
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with AYS?
A: I would say the most rewarding aspect of my job is the children, knowing that I am there for them when they need that extra ear. Two: the flexibility in scheduling. And third: the relationship between myself and the parents, reassuring them that their little ones are safe in our care while they are away.
Q: How have you seen yourself grow during your time with AYS?
A: As stated earlier on I started out as a program assistant, then I was promoted to a director. Then, our program closed at Harcourt… Half of my time I worked in administration in the HR department and half in a program as an assistant director. And now I’m back full time as a director at Fox Hill. You might as well say I wore many different hats here at AYS.
Q: What is the most memorable story during your time at AYS?
A: I would say my most memorable time at AYS was probably at Harcourt when I first started. I worked with some fabulous women and children. Whenever the weather would permit it, I would be outside with the kids flying kites, running all over the place just enjoying my job and all the little reasons why I worked here. I had so much fun until I started breaking body parts [laughs]. I sprained my ankle flying kites with the little ones but that didn’t stop me. I fell off the swing and broke my arm but that didn’t stop me either. I was involved in a rock climbing activity at a fall training and fell and sprained my other ankle but that, too, didn’t stop me nor made me quit my job at AYS. Why? Because I love what I do. I honestly have to say that this is my longest job I ever had, because I enjoy what I do. I know these stories all seem traumatic but these were the most memorable times for me at AYS.