It's our pleasure to introduce Emily Marotta, the new Program Director of the CASE After School Program. At just 24 years old, Emily brings a fresh perspective and a heart full of enthusiasm to our beloved program. Let's get to know her journey, aspirations, and insights as she steps into this new role as she takes time to answers some questions that I asked her.
Stefanie: Can you give us a brief introduction on yourself?
Emily: Allow me to introduce myself—Emily Marotta, excitedly stepping into the role of Program Director for the CASE After School Program! Aged 24, I recently graduated from the Institute for GOD with a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. Currently, I'm pursuing my Masters Degree. I grew up in Franklin, TN, not far from here. At 18, I ventured to Old Hickory to study the Bible in college. During my college years, I discovered my passion for working with young people and was drawn to the CASE program. I've loved this field since I was a teenager and have been particularly interested in Social Emotional Learning.
Stefanie: Can you share more about your journey within the CASE Program from being a volunteer, staff member, to now becoming the Program Director of the after-school program? What motivated you to take on this leadership role?
Emily: My journey to this leadership role began with a year of volunteering with the CASE program. Following that, I transitioned into a Lead Tutor. Despite facing insecurities and doubts about my abilities, my passion for youth development kept me going. The CASE management team, with their experience and biblical education, offered me invaluable guidance. In Spring 2023, the opportunity to become the Program Director presented itself. Despite some nerves, I was confident that my six years of dedication to the program had prepared me for this role. I believe this is a calling from God to empower young individuals with emotional intelligence and empathy. My motivation comes from a deep belief that these kids deserve investment, love, and belief in their potential.
Stefanie: What unique perspective or approach do you bring to the role of Program Director?
Emily: Having served as a Lead Tutor and Site Coordinator, I've gained insights into the day-to-day operations of the program. This experience equips me with an understanding of the challenges and unpredictability that staff face. We often have to adapt to various circumstances, whether a student is having a tough day or dealing with overwhelming emotions. This adaptability is crucial, and I empathize with the staff's need to navigate such situations. From emotionally taxing days to the joy of witnessing students' growth, my recent experiences allow me to connect with and support our staff effectively.
Stefanie: How has working with CASE impacted you both personally and professionally:
Emily: Infusing character values into our programming has been a transformative experience for me. Professionally, I learned how to articulate character values effectively for students without making it boring or complex. This process enhanced my communication and adaptability skills. On a personal level, it reinforced the relevance of my biblical education in all aspects of life. These values, derived from the Bible, found their way into my interactions with students, nurturing qualities like compassion and selflessness.
Stefanie: How do you plan to build on the successes of the previous program leadership while also bringing in your own ideas and innovations:
Emily: Drawing from the wisdom of past Program Directors, I intend to uphold the program's core values while infusing fresh ideas. Their guidance has taught me servant leadership, teamwork, and embracing challenges. My goal is to foster staff growth through Professional Development and consistent goal-setting, building upon the foundation established by my predecessors. I'm excited about the potential of these initiatives and the impact they will have on our staff.
Stefanie: What are your goals and aspirations for the program under your leadership? How do you plan to measure success in achieving these goals?:
Emily: My aspiration is to empower our CASE staff through worship, encouragement, intentional conversations, and professional development. Additionally, I hope to create practical resources and systems based on our experiences. To measure success, I plan to maintain open channels for staff feedback and involvement in their professional development and site dynamics. Ensuring their voices are heard is essential for our collective growth and program improvement.
Stefanie: What are some of the most rewarding moments you've experienced during your time as part of the program's staff, and how do you envision creating similar moments for the students as the director?
Emily: Witnessing students' transformative journeys has been a rewarding experience. It's heartwarming to observe students evolve from being closed off to forming meaningful friendships and gaining self-confidence. I also cherish the growth I've seen in team dynamics while working with friends and classmates. This growth is rooted in healthy communication and prayerful support. I hope to inspire our staff with these testimonies and encourage them to create similar positive experiences this year.
Stefanie: What message would you like to convey to the parents, students, and the community as you step into your new role as the after-school Program Director?
Emily: For me, this role is more than a job—it's a joyful privilege. I believe that students thrive when they have caring adults who invest time, provide tools for character development, and love them for who they are. I've seen the positive impact of the CASE program on students, helping them become more confident, open, and trusting individuals. Our staff is committed to fostering these qualities, ensuring that every student feels valued. To students, know that we're excited to spend time with you and support your growth. Participating in your journey is a privilege we deeply cherish.
Emily Marotta's journey to becoming the Program Director of the CASE After School Program is one of dedication, growth, and a profound passion for youth development. Her unique perspective, built on years of staff experience, promises to enhance the program's impact. As Emily steps into this role, her heartfelt commitment to empowering young individuals shines brightly. We look forward to the positive changes and inspiring moments that Emily will undoubtedly bring to the CASE community. Enjoy some highlights of Emily’s time with CASE over the years, below!
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