Much of Brownell Talbot’s success comes from the great educators and students who take the spotlight in times of need. However, beyond the more apparent support systems of the school are faculty members who cannot go without being recognized for their tremendous help. Many of BT’s staff have roles and responsibilities that aren’t as well known but equally important to ensure the school continues a seamless operation. For November’s Community Voices, we asked a few of these staff members what they do behind-the-scenes in order to support the school.

“The most important role that I hold is to ensure that students have access to mental health resources in order to be in the frame of mind to learn in the classroom. I collaborate with the rest of the counseling team on mental health related initiatives, provide one on one counseling to students, meet with administrators and parents about student issues, and ensure that the rest of our BT counseling department and our Arbor Family counselors have what they need to serve students as well. I am also part of the academic leadership team, which meets weekly to discuss issues that pertain to the entire school community, and within that group, I serve as a voice and advocate for students from the mental health and counseling perspective. On the college counseling side of things, behind the scenes I am reading senior essays and providing feedback, helping students build college lists, talking through the emotional ups and downs of seeking out, and I am responsible for making sure all documents from the school are out the door on time to colleges. Outside of BT’s walls, I collaborate with college reps to make sure that they understand how our school community is special and let them know what kind of students our school prepares for their college. I serve as president-elect of our regional college counseling association, and through my leadership (where I am responsible for ensuring our board’s goals are met), our association is providing opportunities for college access programming and scholarships that are all available to our students (and keep BT on the minds of everyone in the college admissions world, because I am a continual cheerleader of the school and our students). When I am able to do so, I go and visit colleges so that I can speak to the colleges in more depth to students, and build stronger relationships with those that are reading our student’s college admissions files. I continually say this, but I think that the counselors have the best jobs in the school–we get to know students and families on a deep level, we get to advocate for student wellness, and I personally enjoy the opportunity to get to know people all over the USA and world that are in my same profession (counselors really value relationships, so networking, having fun and supporting students is something we all share and aspire to do to the best of our ability).”

-Brianna Vander Vorst, College Counselor and House Dean

“My position title at Brownell Talbot is Director of Activities. That includes overseeing all sports and activities for grades 7-12. Also included is running the BTYSO program for grades EY-6. Another administrative role I serve is being in charge of Campus Safety in partnership with Mr. Rotert. I am a member of the administrative team, academic leadership team, campus safety team, and emergency response team. I am also the department chair for our PE and Health program. Other duties with my role include being the Brownell Talbot school representative with the Nebraska Frontier Conference and Nebraska School Activities Association District II.”

-Jeffrey Rohrig, Director of Activities

“I work closely with the Director of Enrollment, middle school, and upper school to create recruitment and retention strategies that complement the overall strategic plan. I am responsible for enrollment management for Early Years – grade 4.”

Some of Mrs. Schinzel’s behind-the-scenes tasks include:

• Managing and interpreting data regarding recruitment, retention, and financial aid, providing sound recommendations and actionable plans regarding enrollment strategies to administration, faculty, and board of trustees in order to meet enrollment goals
• Managing the application process by supporting families completing the application, internal application review, administering entrance exams, scheduling shadow days, and communicating admissions decisions
• Providing ongoing support for enrolled families to help convert their students to graduates
• Connecting the school to the wider Omaha community to articulate and enhance BT’s brand

-Kim Schinzel, Director of Admissions

“My primary roles and responsibilities at BT are Library Assistant, College Counseling Assistant, and Lunch Lady. Most of my roles are things you see. I cover study halls, help students and teachers print, and help find books and resources for students and teachers. I also cashier in the dining hall. I love that what I do helps others, whether students, faculty, or staff. I like interacting and connecting with our students and our community. I hope that I make students feel comfortable and happy to be here. I hope everyone feels that they can come to me and I can help them with whatever their needs are big or small. I love that my job is varied and that I stay busy doing different things. As Ms. Morgan says, I love doing ‘all the things’.”

Some behind-the-scenes roles and responsibilities Mrs. Hughes does include:

• Setting up counselor calls between Mrs. Vander Vorst and college admission representatives in the fall for the EA/ED application period and in the spring for the Regular Decision application period
• Maintaining the scholarship and the enrichment spreadsheets and keeping a list of college visits to BT 
• Managing and maintaining the security of the AP exams from when they arrive on campus in April until the last exam is taken in May (Once Mrs. Vander Vorst confirms that we have received everything we’ve ordered. I organize the exams, answer sheets, and AP ID Label sheets in test order. As exams are completed, I count, recount, and take notes about all exam materials used and unused so we have accurate information to send to the College Board.)
• Helping Mr. Koehler acquire books and resources for the library
• Helping to research, acquire, and maintain the equipment we use throughout campus
• Maintaining the James MS/US Library calendar (I work with Ms. Mackender, the administrators, and the development team, and I coordinate with the facilities team to ensure that the Library is ready for any functions or meetings that are held in the library. I also keep track of what classes and study halls meet in the library and who is responsible for them so that changes can be made as needed.)
• Covering the front desk when there are office staff meetings or other times
• Laminating items for teachers and staff as needed
• Working on projects for different departments that range from finding equipment or other resources to verifying accurate information in our SIS from the yearly required forms
• At the dining hall, ensuring correct charges for students and faculty (Be patient with me if you don’t have a key card and my fumble fingers are typing in your name!)
  

-Monica Hughes, Library Assistant, College Counseling Assistant, and Lunch Lady