Although Katie Romero wasn’t here for Laradon’s entire 70 years of existence of course, she does remember other big milestones. Katie was there for Laradon’s 50th anniversary gala and she even ate cake at the 90th birthday party for one of our founders, Elizabeth Calabrese. Her fondest memories are those that involve the individuals we serve and the employees who have come to mean so much more to her than simply the “people she works with.” “It’s my job, but it’s not like a job. We’re more like a family here.”
Twenty seven years ago, Katie was perusing the want-ads section of the newspaper — when she wasn’t even looking for a job!
“For some reason, the Laradon job posting attracted me,” said Katie. “I wrote a letter – in pencil – and they called me the next day.”
Katie began her career at Laradon as a teaching assistant in The Laradon School. She then went on to serve in the Human Resources department, and eventually began running the front desk. Over the years, she has also recruited several family members, including her three children, to work or volunteer with Laradon. The lines between family and coworkers continue to blur.
Katie is the first point of contact at Laradon and is the first smile we all see every day. She is an advocate and a friend to all of the individuals we serve and their families – some who have been there as long as she has.
She’s seen a lot of changes at Laradon – and in the neighborhood – through the years. All for the positive, according to her.
Katie says that her favorite part of her job is the people – the staff, individuals and families, and new guests with whom she has the pleasure of interacting. “There are a lot of stars here.”
Thank you, Katie for 27 years of service to Laradon – you are definitely one of our brightest stars. We’re so glad you were reading the paper that day!
