HERO: Monica Wahler, Director of Human Resources at Christo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School
NOMINATED BY: Sheila Cannon, Palm Coast Travel

I nominate Monica, the director of Human Resources at my daughter's high school, who is a teacher there. She is always an incredible co-worker, exemplifying warmth and love for others, and practically running the school, doing all sorts of varied and important tasks that go well-beyond the Human Resources umbrella. However, since COVID became a reality in Santa Clara County, she kicked into overdrive and became a true superhero. First she took the initiative to make sure we were being as safe as possible when we were still meeting on campus; making sure that bathrooms were always stocked with toilet paper even when there was a severe shortage and that classrooms had plenty of disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. She would make periodic announcements throughout the day to remind staff and students to wipe down our workspaces and to always maintain the best possible hygiene for our safety. When hand sanitizer became impossible to get, she stayed overtime at the school making her own from alcohol and aloe vera so that classrooms could remain stocked and safe.

Once we had to switch to distance learning, Monica knew that some families who had relied on food service at the school would be struggling, especially with so many parents losing their jobs. She started a food program at the school, seeking out and picking up donations (and donating herself) as well as coordinating food packing and giveaways to the needy families in our community. These food giveaways are still going strong with Monica as the fearless leader even now that seniors have graduated and we are on summer vacation. They are truly a lifesaver for families that have been hit hard by COVID-19.

When peaceful protests nearby the school escalated into violent riots and looting, Monica stayed at the campus to keep it safe, watching to make sure no one harmed anyone on campus, broke through the gates, or damaged school property--but all the while remaining peaceful and kind to those she interacted with.

Through all this, she still maintains that warmth and love for others that she has always had, periodically checking on me and the other staff to make sure we are okay, and offering prayers and support. She has even offered to drive to my home (I live quite a ways out of the area) and deliver food or any other supplies I might need during this trying time, and I know she has done this for others too. We have always known that we could count on Monica to come through for us, but she has demonstrated this to an incredible degree during the COVID situation, not only for us staff members but to the hundreds of families that are relying on her now.

She is amazing! And she needs a vacation!