Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Lisa Hope, Lead Parent Educator - Parents As Teachers
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: I have been employed for 7 years and been a volunteer in the district since 2007.
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I am from a small town in Nebraska, where most of my family still lives. I graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology. I worked as a contractor for the Department of Health and Human Services before marrying my husband Dan and moving wherever the Army sent us.
Our children, Logan and Gavin, are Lansing graduates and Brielle is an 8th grader. Brie and I participated in Parents As Teachers when she was a toddler. I loved the program so much and jumped at the chance to apply when I heard there was a job opening. As a parent educator, I visit families in their homes where we talk about positive parent-child interaction, development centered parenting and family well-being. I also do developmental screenings for each child, track milestones and provide resources for the family. I help parents recognize that they are their child’s first and best teachers.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: The thing I enjoy most about my work is the relationships I form with the families I serve. It’s such a privilege to be welcomed into their homes as I get to know them. I am honored when they trust me enough to share their concerns, challenges, and successes.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I love traveling, reading, going to concerts and playing cards and trivia. I am a big fan of the Chiefs, Huskers, Jayhawks, and Sporting KC.
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: I love to sing. My family says I have a particular talent for never getting the rhythm, pitch or lyrics quite right.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: I feel exceptionally proud anytime I see a child conquer what has been a difficult milestone for them. I enjoy seeing the growth each child and family makes over the time I get to spend with them. The very first family I ever worked with had a young daughter who did not look forward to my visits. She didn’t quite trust me and rarely wanted to participate in the activities I brought along. I continued to visit the family monthly and by the time the little girl successfully transitioned into kindergarten she told her parents I was her very best friend.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Make a conscious decision every day to do your best, even though your best will look different every day. Get involved in the arts, clubs, sports and volunteer in your community when you can.