Allison Lestarchick
Years of service at Union Catholic?
11 years
All current positions at UC?
Director of Parent Relations, Main Office Administrative Assistant, Member of the Athletic Marketing Team, Member of the Diversity Team
What are some things you are planning for the rest of this school year?
We have a couple of events coming up, this Saturday is UC's 750 Club 505/50 Raffle & Tailgate Party and we are working on a new & exciting event scheduled for April 22 a food truck festival which will take place here at Union Catholic.
Education:
Graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption High School in 1986.
Graduated from Union County Vocational-Technical School in 1988 with a certification in Cosmetology.
Did you play sports or were you in any clubs etc. during your high school/college days?
I was a cheerleader in high school as well as the scorekeeper for the varsity baseball team.
Before UC: What did you do after you graduated from college and before you started working at UC?
After graduating from UCVT I worked as a hairstylist in Westfield, Scotch Plains & Warren until December of 1995 when I left that career to be a stay at home mom for the next 16 years. During those years at home I was a volunteer at St. Bartholomew Academy where our children went to school.
Your UC Journey: How did you wind up at UC? How did this all happen?
I guess it started when our daughter entered UC as a freshman. I began by volunteering to help with the tricky tray and comedy night. Mrs. Thornton had asked me to help out with the 5K run and then we spoke about possible openings at UC. Next thing you know, I received a call asking if I would be interested in coming to work at Union Catholic in the Parent Relations Department & I gladly accepted.
Biggest changes you’ve seen at UC since you’ve been here?
Wow, there have been so many, but I'd have to say the use of all forms of technology in the classrooms, Canvas, Synergy, Zoom, there are too many to list!
What do you love the most about working at Union Catholic?
The community.....the faculty, the students, the administrators, the parents/guardians & the extended families. Everyone who walks in our doors is amazed by the feeling they get and that feeling starts with Sister Percylee who is the "Hart" of the UC Community.
What is your favorite UC memory?
I have so many wonderful memories, but I think being able to work at UC while my children were students here and watching them grow, thrive and succeed has been the best memory of all. I am extremely blessed and grateful to have had that opportunity.
What do you love the most about being part of the UC community? What makes UC so special?
There are so many things that I love about the UC community, but I think the "UC Spirit" is what I love the most! UC is so special because we truly are more than just a community, we are a family.
What’s something about yourself that most people don’t know that would surprise people?
I am the youngest of 9 children and have been an aunt since I was 2 1/2 years old!
Favorite things to do in your spare time?
I love to spend time with my family down the shore jet skiing, going to Disney or just sitting around the table after a big meal. I also enjoy reading, cooking and baking, exercising and throwing parties.
Favorite core value and why?
I am torn between Respect and Compassion, but I think they go hand in hand with each other. When we are respectful to one another we are letting others know that they are important and that they truly matter. When we show compassion for one another we are letting them know we care and are here to support them, which in turn lets them know they are important and that they truly matter. In a world where there is so much negativity and hardship, we all need to to be kind and compassionate to one another.