When it comes to overseeing the myriad Human Resources and Administration functions within the Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center environment, we count on Sandy Rivera — an Eagle Rock School graduate herself — to ensure there’s an accurate, complete and correct assessment of many important details.
Sandy keeps close tabs on much of our administrative functions, ranging from fundraising for our Graduate Higher Education Fund to campus safety, risk management and numerous special projects. In addition, we’re excited to share she’s about to become the new houseparent of Juniper House.
In our continuing effort to help the Eagle Rock community know our staff better, we sat down with Sandy for a short Q&A about herself. Here’s what she revealed:
Eagle Rock: What did you do prior to coming to work for Eagle Rock?
Sandy Rivera: For eight years, I was the benefits manager, worker’s compensation coordinator, safety officer and wellness team leader for Jay Nolan Community Services. That nonprofit organization assisted adults and children with autism and other developmental disabilities for all of Southern California and a small community in Northern California.
Eagle Rock: Where did you go to college and what did you study?
Sandy: For the artistic side of me, I attended Glendale Community College in California and studied fine arts. For the business side, I attended the University of California at Redlands for business management.
Eagle Rock: What attracted you to Eagle Rock?
Sandy: I came into Eagle Rock School as a student in ER18 (the 18th class to enter Eagle Rock School) back in May of 1999 from my home in Pasadena, Calif. I graduated in April of 2003. As an Eagle Rock School graduate, I knew that coming back to Eagle Rock would be my way of giving thanks for all that Eagle Rock gave me — including becoming a better person. And now I’m able to fulfill my career in Human Resources.
Eagle Rock: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Sandy: I dog-sit and do some novice dog training and in–home pet care. I also like to paint, draw/sketch and keep my skills sharp. Anything that involves working with my hands and being creative.
Eagle Rock: If you could try another profession for a day, what would it be?
Sandy: I would love to be a pilot for a day.
Eagle Rock: What’s your all-time favorite Eagle Rock success story?
Sandy: All the Eagle Rock School stories where the students leave us and go out to the world to become superstars in whatever they are doing in their walk of life. Eagle Rockers have a special ability to connect with people. They know how to inspire anyone around them. That ability is one of my favorite success stories.
Eagle Rock: What’s one thing not many people know about you?
Sandy: My parents are from El Salvador and we have a ranch with cattle and a mango grove. I also have a horse named Tito in El Salvador, and when I’m home, I ride Tito with a machete strapped to my side.