Community Action is happy to announce the recipient of our 2025 January Staff Spotlight, Center Education Coordinator, Tracy Galatz!
Her nominator said, "Tracy is always looking for ways to be visible to families, to be a resource to the teachers, and be involved in both of her centers. Tracy always helps us to focus on the why, how changes will improve our quality of teaching and strengthen the program we provide. Tracy is committed to helping her family, and is transparent that that process may have her out of the center but she is always available to us. Tracy leverages all of her experience to foster strong team building between East YMCA and West Side, which keeps her sites proud of where we work and invested in our mission. Tracy is a beacon that exemplifies accountability and compassion, which is why families and staff continue to breathe a sigh of relief when she says "I'm Tracy, how can I help?"“
We are so grateful to have staff members such as Tracy that exemplify our mission, vision, and values! Recently we caught up with Tracy to learn more about her and how she views her role at Community Action.
What is your favorite part about working at CAPRW?
This is such a big question- the dedicated staff that work each day to support our children and families inspires me daily. The children and their families- the relationships and the opportunity to make a difference in their future success is another favorite. And the Teams I am privileged to be part of- we all live and believe in our mission and vision statements. It is such an honor to have a small role in this grand endeavor.
Do you have a favorite memory about working with families?
Every year creates a new memory of the child or parent/guardian that now has a different trajectory toward success because of relationships. As I go through the memories of 16 plus years- each year and each Team have high points that cause your heart to beat a bit harder and a tear to start. Again it is the people we work with that have dedicated themselves daily- it truly takes a village to support a family and their child.
How did you discover your passion for working with children?
I have always loved people, and children amaze and amuse me. I began as a teen-ager babysitting, camp counselor and a summer aide a a childcare Center. I started out as a Head Start Home Visitor on the Iron Range in 1987 and was inspired by the Head Start mission from that point on. Children are my favorite people- observe them and you will be moved by their resiliency, their sense of adventure and fun and their honest emotions.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside of work?
I love trying new restaurants and coffee shops with friends and family. I also love to to be by the water (lakes, rivers, oceans, and pools)- and flying to a new destinations invigorates me completely. I was up north this weekend- and the changing of the leaves is happening- I do love going on road trips too.
