A Culture of Care, Connection, and Collaboration: A Spotlight on the Human Resources Department
A Culture of Care, Connection, and Collaboration: A Spotlight on the Human Resources Department
The Human Resources team here at Visions brings together a diverse range of talents, skills, and expertise to support our people and our organization. While HR is often thought of as the “hiring team,” its impact extends far beyond posting jobs and reviewing resumes. It includes developing efficient systems, navigating employment requirements, supporting employee benefits, celebrating staff accomplishments, and creating a welcoming culture where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Starting Strong: Welcoming 150+ New Staff for 2026-27
This spring, HR helped onboard more than 150 new credentialed staff members – a milestone made possible through teamwork and collaboration across Visions.
Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist Hillori Dalton played a key role in leading this effort, while emphasizing that the busy hiring season was a true team accomplishment.
“The newest additions to our department, Christina White and Nancy Legalsi, stepped up in a big way, quickly learning new processes and procedures with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to doing their best,” she said.
The team also relied on support from departments across the organization, including Facilities, IT, and Business Services, whose collaboration helped ensure new employees had the resources and support they needed to get started successfully.
“It truly takes a village,” shared Hillori, “and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated, collaborative, and supportive team!”
Supporting Employees at Every Stage
HR remains a resource for employees long after their first day. Whether staff have questions about benefits, leave, workplace policies, or other needs, the team strives to be approachable, responsive, and ready to help.
“We want employees to feel comfortable coming to us when they have a question, concern, or just need help figuring something out,” said Giuliana Carrillo, Human Resources Analyst (Benefits). “We know that everyone’s experience is different, so we try to listen and understand the situation rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Human Resources Assistant Steve Zweig has learned that HR serves as the “first stop” for many internal questions at Visions. Although team members have different areas of concentration, they continually learn new responsibilities so they can support one another.
“We work as a team to weave the fabric that holds the department together and attempt to keep the scales balanced at all times. We all have our areas of concentration, but we are constantly learning new tasks in order to back each other up,” he said.
Administrative Assistant Terry Sovulewski also believes that creating a successful work environment starts with being someone others can come to.
“I believe the little things can make a big difference,” she shared. “Making sure people have the information or resources they need, helping solve problems, and creating a welcoming experience can go a long way.”
Preparing for What’s Next
With continued growth on the horizon, HR is strengthening the systems, programs, and processes that will support Visions’ evolving needs. Director of Human Resources Donna Glenn shared that the team is focusing on several key initiatives, including a new Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to streamline processes and improve employee access to information, College Educator Fairs and Visions Credentialed Job Fair webinars to connect with future talent, and the Visions In Education Retiree Health Benefits Trust (VIERT) to help provide sustainable health benefit options for retirees.
“Ultimately, our goal is to build strong HR systems and processes that can grow alongside the organization while continuing to provide employees with the support, resources, and benefits they need to do their best work,” said Donna.
But ultimately, despite all the programs and processes in place, the success of Visions comes down to its people.
“HR helps make sure we have the right people in place to support our students. That means recruiting and retaining passionate, mission-aligned staff while creating a culture where employees feel supported, empowered, and have opportunities to grow,” explained Cruz Ambrosini, Human Resources Manager. “HR helps build the foundation that allows Visions to scale while maintaining the high standard of education we provide to our students and families.”
Welcome, Growth, and Togetherness
Each member of the HR team brings different experiences and perspectives to the group, but they all share a commitment to helping others succeed. For many, joining Visions – and especially this team – has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their careers.
“Visions In Education has the best workplace culture of any organization I have worked for,” Human Resources Assistant Christina White shared. “Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. It is truly a great place to work, and the positive energy and happiness among the staff make it clear that people genuinely enjoy working here.”
“The team environment is apparent when you see the enthusiasm on the faces of employees,” added Human Resources Assistant Vickie Horvath.
For 26-year Visionary Nancy Legalsi, Human Resources Assistant, moving from administrative support in Instruction into HR offered an opportunity to challenge herself and apply her years of experience with Visions in a new way.
“I’ve always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes work that helps people be successful, and moving into HR felt like a natural next step. It gave me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned about Visions, our programs, our staff, and our culture over the years and apply that knowledge in a completely different area,” she shared. “After so many years here, it’s exciting to still be learning, growing, and finding new ways to contribute to our school and its future. Visions has been such a meaningful part of my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference in a different role.”
Administrative Assistant Dao Gordon shares that appreciation for continuous learning and teamwork. Although Dao divides her time between Human Resources and the Superintendent’s Office, her role on the HR team has opened the door to new professional opportunities, including supporting recruitment, coordinating our All Stars Award staff recognition program, and taking on additional responsibilities that continue to expand her experience and skills.
“What I find most rewarding about working with the HR team is the teamwork and the opportunity to learn from my colleagues,” said Dao. “Experiences like this remind me that working in HR gives me many opportunities to learn new things and keep myself in a continuous learning process.”
The People Behind the Work
From recruitment and onboarding to employee events, benefits, and day-to-day support, HR’s work touches nearly every part of the employee experience. As the organization grows, HR will continue strengthening its processes while preserving the welcoming, collaborative culture that makes Visions special.
Ultimately, the team’s focus remains on our people: supporting the employees who make Visions successful so they can continue making a difference for students and families. Thank you, HR, for all the ways you support our team and contribute to Visions’ continued success!
Click through the winning photos below!
