Teri Ortega is the first person that many Natomas residents see or hear when they contact the District Ed Center.
Ortega’s job is part switchboard operator, part receptionist, part greeter, and part referral service. She sits near the Ed Center’s front door and handles hundreds of calls or walk-in contacts per day.
Ortega understands well the old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
“I always want to treat people the way I would want to be treated,” she said.
Ortega said she does her best to greet people with a smile, not only those who walk into the Ed Center but those who call, too. “They may not see it, but I want them to hear the smile,” she said, smiling.
She tries hard to be a good listener, to be respectful, and to have a good grasp of District programs and personnel so she can put people in touch with whomever can answer their concern or request, without transferring them from department to department.
After nearly three years on the job, Ortega said, “it’s still a learning curve.”
Even on the most challenging calls, she tries to stay calm, not get angry, and keep the discussion on track. “Whatever the challenge might be, I listen to what they have to say and then just let them know that I’m there for them,” Ortega said.
A Southern California native, Ortega grew up in Glendale and enjoys gardening, fishing and listening to her husband perform in a 12-piece band at casinos, private parties and other large events. Her mother taught in public schools for more than 30 years.
Something unusual about her childhood? She once tried her hand at acting, appearing in a couple TV commercials — including one for for Wonder Bread – and in a 1965 MGM movie, “Money Trap,” starring Glenn Ford, Rita Hayworth, Ricardo Montalban and Elke Sommer.
Though she does not work in an NUSD classroom, Ortega said she feels good about helping students and contributing to NUSD success.
“Whatever the challenges might be with helping a parent, I feel that my information to them helps their children down the road,” she said. “It gives me satisfaction.”
