The D6 Difference: Desire'e Clark, District 6 Family Center

Here's why staff choose D6!

Name

Desire'e Clark

Department

District 6 Family Center

Position

District Student Advocate

Years of Service in District 6

5 Years

"One thing about the Family Center culture that makes me feel valued is how much we support and encourage one another. We work as a team, share ideas and resources, and step in to help each other when a family or student needs additional support. There is a genuine sense that we are all working toward the same goal, helping our students and families feel supported and connected. That sense of teamwork and purpose is a big part of what makes the Family Center feel like a place I want to stay."

When you think about your experience in our district, what makes you feel proud to work here? 

"I feel proud to work in a district that recognizes that supporting students means supporting the whole child and their family. Through the Family Center, I have seen how much of a difference it can make when we connect families with resources, advocate for students, and help remove barriers that can get in the way of their success. I’m proud to be part of a team that doesn’t just see a student’s circumstances, but looks for ways to help them move forward. Knowing that the work we do can change a student’s experience and sometimes open doors they didn’t think were possible is something I’m very proud to be a part of."

What keeps you feeling connected to and supported by our school community? 

"The relationships I have built with the people I work with are what keep me feeling connected and supported. Because the Family Center works with students, families, and staff across the district, I have the opportunity to build connections with so many different people. I really value the trust that has developed over time and knowing that I can reach out to others when a student or family needs support. I also appreciate that the people I work with understand the importance of what we do and are willing to work together to find solutions. Those relationships and that sense of teamwork are what make me feel connected to our school community."

What's a fun fact about your job? 

"A fun fact about my job is that no two days are ever the same! I can start the day thinking I’m going to catch up on emails and paperwork and end up helping a student with college, finding resources for a family, talking with a community partner, or solving a completely unexpected problem. You definitely have to be a problem solver and a little bit of a detective in the Family Center, and I love that about the job!"

What is one experience with a student or staff member that left a lasting, positive impact on you? 

"One experience that has had a lasting impact on me was working with a student who, when I first met her, was walking to school from another town. She was incredibly shy and unsure of herself, and she faced several barriers that made it difficult for her to focus on her education. I was able to connect her with transportation, help her access important documents like her Social Security card and birth certificate, and connect her with resources that supported her education and other needs.

At the time, she never believed she would graduate, let alone thrive in college. Today, she is a senior in college preparing to earn her bachelor’s degree. Recently, she sat on a student panel and shared her experiences with the McKinney-Vento program. Hearing her speak with confidence and advocate for herself was incredibly meaningful. She talked about how the support she received helped her get to a place where she could learn to advocate and support herself.

Watching her grow from a shy student who was unsure of her future into a confident young woman who knows how to advocate for herself reminded me just how impactful our work can be. Sometimes, we may think we are simply helping a student with transportation or obtaining an important document, but those small things can become part of a much bigger journey. Seeing where she is today has been one of the most rewarding reminders of why the work we do matters."