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In the front office at Whitman Elementary, there is a warm presence – and an infectious smile – that greets students, families and staff every day. Her name is Theresa Strozier, and there’s not a question she won’t answer or a problem she can’t solve. 

“She’s a gem,” said Tracy Allen, principal at Whitman. “She is our office coordinator and the first point of contact for our families, students and staff. She is a presence of calm and positivity.” 

Working in the front office of any school, it’s easy to see that normal days are not the norm. The number of students, staff, and families that interact with the front office at any school means that every day is different. It takes a special kind of person to embrace it and continue to create a positive environment for both staff and students every day. 

“Theresa is downright amazing. She is our resident chaos coordinator, and she does it so gracefully,” said Klairey Ishem, Whitman Parent Teacher Association co-treasurer. “I have the privilege of being at school often, and she never misses a beat. Consistent love is shown to every student she interacts with, every day.” 

Rooted in love and sincerity, Strozier puts others’ needs first, and sometimes those needs go beyond the questions asked. 

“She listens to the needs of everyone, and helps to find them connections for support, even beyond the school or district,” Allen said. “Many families did not have a good experience in school, and Theresa has a way to make sure they feel welcome and informed.” 

Helping families find support means understanding the obstacles that might stand in the way. 

“I work really hard to remove barriers,” Strozier acknowledged. “I grew up in Tacoma, right in this community, and graduated from Lincoln High School. I am a first generation Asian American. When I was in school I kind of fell under the radar. It wasn’t until I graduated that I learned about resources I never knew existed.” 

Knowing what barriers exist – including language and access to technology – and the resources to address them are Strozier’s strong suits.    

“I make sure to address questions with these barriers in mind,” Strozier said. “Not everyone sees or hears the same message. I try to make sure all the information is available to families and help them translate or know where to find it.” 

Strozier reflected on her own experience as a parent in Tacoma Public Schools. “I have access to the same information and technology from a parent’s point of view, so I’m able to problem-solve and make changes in my role that best support students and families.” 

In Strozier’s four years at Whitman, her impact to those around her is clear. 

“Students go to her for everything, and she sincerely cares,” Ishem said. “It means the world to me to have such a warm person in the office. She is a large part of why I continue to choose Whitman Elementary for my children.”