Monday through Friday before the lunch bell rings on campus, Aliso Niguel students are greeted by the same supervisor’s friendly smile. Mrs. Katya, a campus supervisor at Aliso since 2023, is in her fourth year with the school.
Every day Mrs. Katya works diligently to maintain safety across campus and build meaningful connections with students.
Another campus supervisor, Keith Barnett, said, “She’s a great coworker. She has a great deal of experience, it seems to me, especially in dealing with kids.”
Barnett added, “She is level headed, she’s… I mean, she’s just a great team member to the campus supervisor staff.”
Katya has worked as a campus supervisor since 2022, when she supervised an elementary school. While she admits the environment at ANHS is much busier and larger, the heart of her work has always been the same, creating a safe and supportive environment for the students.
“My favorite part about the job is talking and getting to know the students here,” said Mrs. Katya. “Even if some people might think it’s nosy, I just like to get to know people.”
The proctors’ work across the entire campus because their schedule varies in shifts from the parking lot to the portables. Her job requires constant movement and attention to her surroundings, something she meets with both dedication and humor.
When asked about the biggest personal impact of her job, she stated, “The biggest thing is having to wear more sunblock outside.”
While the sun may be a big daily challenge for her, staff members say Katya’s dedication and personality are what set her apart. Her openness to learn from mistakes and willingness to help out whenever needed have made her invaluable to the Aliso team. Her commitment to making Aliso a better and safer school is unmistakable.
Mrs. Vernaza said, “She’s very attentive, you know, she’s really concerned about the safety of the students,” Vernaza said. “She’s very aware and alert and brings a positive attitude to the school. She wants safety for the students and does it with a smile and in a friendly manner.”
Mrs. Katya has become a reliable and recognisable figure at ANHS, not just someone approached out of necessity. A trusted adult on campus, Katya does not simply fulfill her job, she genuinely cares about students. Her interest in students, even if she acknowledges it may seem nosy, has formed real connections that make the campus that much more welcoming.
“Katya, love working with her. She picks up everything really easy,” said Mrs. Laura, who often works alongside her. “She doesn’t let the kids get away with a whole lot, but she does her job perfectly. She’s a team player. And just as a friend, she’s really a nice girl. I really like her.”
Mrs. Katya continues to have the same positive energy she has had since day one. Her impact on Aliso has reached even farther than the campus, creating an accepting atmosphere with her authenticity. Her unmistakable dedication to keeping students safe makes her much more than just a campus supervisor.
