Saundra Vannetta Hopkins, Ombudsman Director

I have a lot of experience working with at-risk students. I find it so rewarding to help them make progress toward their goals. Many of the students who come to Ombudsman realize that this is their last chance to graduate. It takes that realization for them to really focus on their work and accept our help.

I love working one-on-one with students to help them overcome their obstacles. Each student has individual obstacles and challenges, and in this environment we can determine what those are so we can develop an individualized solution.

A lot of my students want to work after school. They ask for our help to look and apply for jobs. So we complete applications together and I teach them how to dress appropriately and conduct themselves professionally during an interview. It’s a great feeling when my students come to school and tell me that they got an interview and landed a job because of my help.

I really value Ombudsman’s approach. Educating children doesn’t have to follow a “one size fits all” approach. Each student has the same goal to graduate, but we help each student get there in the way that works best.