06 - At the Front Door

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Andrew McDonald sits down with Angie Gonzales and Mallory Harris, two members of our front office team, to talk about something that shapes every school experience from the very first moment: welcome.

Often the first faces families, students, and visitors see, Angie and Mallory play a crucial role in setting the tone for each school day. They share how small interactions like greetings, conversations, and moments of care, help create an atmosphere of belonging, trust, and calm in the middle of daily chaos.

The conversation reflects on why a welcoming presence matters so deeply in a Catholic school community, how frontline roles are forms of quiet ministry, and how culture is built not through big gestures, but through consistency, kindness, and attention to people.

It’s a thoughtful reminder that in our schools, welcome doesn’t just happen, it’s practiced every day.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:04

Welcome to Rooted in Rising, a short podcast where we highlight the people, programs, and moments that make Billings Catholic schools special. Each episode, we'll spend just a few minutes sharing one story from across our system. Something worth noticing, worth celebrating, and worth building on. I'm Andrew McDonald, and I'm glad you're here. Just a chat. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 0:28

Sweating.

SPEAKER_01 0:32

Awesome. Welcome to our episode today. I am so excited to be joined by two incredible people that many of you know and have had the wonderful opportunity to meet. And I'm going to let them introduce themselves. Angie, I'll start with you.

SPEAKER_02 0:44

I'm Angie Gonzalez, and I'm the K4 secretary over at St. Francis Catholic.

SPEAKER_01 0:50

How long have you been there?

SPEAKER_02 0:51

This is my third year.

SPEAKER_01 0:52

Awesome. Thoughts on it so far?

SPEAKER_02 0:54

It's amazing. It's really more than I thought it would be. Like, yeah, the people that I work with are just so incredible, and I just love everybody. And I look forward to going to work every day. I think this is probably the first job in my lifetime where I've never woken up and said, oh, I don't want to go to work today. Like, yeah, it's great. I love it.

SPEAKER_01 1:15

Awesome. So glad you're here. And then Mallory.

SPEAKER_00 1:17

I'm Mallory Harris, and I am the office manager at Billing Central. And this is my third year here. Yeah, I agree with Angie in the sense of the environment and the community at Billing Central is amazing. And I absolutely love my job.

SPEAKER_01 1:31

Well, and you were over at St. Francis before that.

SPEAKER_00 1:34

I was, yes. Huge change, kindergarten to high school. But yeah, it's it's a great, it's a great place, and the kids are the kids are great.

SPEAKER_01 1:44

So one of the the big reasons I think that I wanted the two of you to come on is because first impressions matter, right? And when we think about our school, the first folks that kids often see in the morning or parents see when they walk in is you guys. So with with knowing that first impressions matter, like what do you aim for when somebody walks into our building?

SPEAKER_00 2:06

I think I just strive to create an environment of faith and welcomeness. And I just I really want the kids to always feel to feel that. I I try to show that in just my environment in the office. And I I always hope that when they walk in, they they feel Christ love, whether that's through a smile or just hello, to make them feel that way.

SPEAKER_01 2:26

Or candy on the desk.

SPEAKER_00 2:27

Or candy on the desk.

SPEAKER_01 2:28

Right, which both of you definitely have candy jars.

SPEAKER_02 2:31

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_01 2:32

Angie, what about you?

SPEAKER_02 2:33

Yeah, I just always think to myself, especially in the mornings and with all the kiddos, you don't ever really know what they're coming in with. You know, we all have rough days and mornings are hectic and it can be a little crazy sometimes. And so I just try to be, you know, in a great mood and smiling. And even when they show up tardy, you know, I smile, I welcome them, say, I'm glad you're here. Just try to set the tone for the day and make it, you know, a welcoming place, make sure that they feel like they're welcomed and that we want them there. And same with parents, you know, we're all trying our best too. And again, mornings are crazy. And so I try to be very forgiving with parents and very friendly, and just, you know, so that when they come into the school, they feel like, you know, that they're wanted there and that it's a it's a welcoming place.

SPEAKER_01 3:21

For sure. And that that really does matter, right? Because you are able to then establish these really unique relationships with certain kiddos. Like, how do you see that play out over the course of the year? Because I would imagine, you know, especially like for freshmen or for kindergartners, right? Or those kids that that don't know you super well when they come in. Like, like how do you see those relationships grow over time?

SPEAKER_00 3:43

I I think with with the high schoolers, you can really tell when they're they feel more comfortable, right? Like I try to go out in the hall between classes and, you know, kind of build a relationship with them. So I think just making that connection, things that you have in common, you know, whether that's an activity they're in or just something that we can make a connection with and that that helps build that relationship.

SPEAKER_02 4:06

Yeah, I think just getting to know the kids and learning names is a big thing for me. There's a lot of names, of course, to learn, and I'm not great at that. But so I try remembering.

SPEAKER_01 4:15

You've got like 600 kids coming through that office.

SPEAKER_02 4:17

Yes, to remember kids' names plus their parents' names. But I think that's really important to be able to acknowledge somebody by their name and just know that, you know, so that they feel like you actually know who they are and that you just care a little bit more. And just yeah, just when you start to get that rapport with students and they smile at you when they come in, or they, you know, or sometimes they give you the look like, oh boy, sorry, I'm getting a pink slip because I'm late. But you know, it's all it's all in good banter. And when you can just chat about extra little things and ask them how their day was or how their weekend was or what'd you get for Easter?

SPEAKER_01 4:50

Or celebrating losing teeth. I've seen you do that quite a few times. Lots of teeth.

SPEAKER_02 4:54

Yeah. So you do you do form relationships for sure.

SPEAKER_01 4:57

Yeah. How does how does welcome reflect our mission, right? Like how does being a welcoming environment reflect the mission of our schools?

SPEAKER_02 5:07

Well, I think, you know, a big part of our mission is that family spirit. And so I think just making them feel like they are actually a part of something and that they are wanted and welcomed and, you know, and that it's not just I don't know, it's not just, you know, walking into a school. It's walking into a community, into a group of people that, you know, care for you and that are all working together, you know, to do what's best for you. So I just think, yeah, making them feel like it's something that they're a part of.

SPEAKER_00 5:39

I think kind of when I think about our mission, definitely the family, the family spirit. Um, as far as that, being an alumni, you know, it's fun to come back and like see, you know, see people that I graduated with. But I also think on the faith, the faith part of it, you know, Jesus calls us, you know, he to welcome all to the table. And he did the same. And so I think it's just important that we just really embrace that and, you know, welcome, welcome everybody that walks through our doors.

SPEAKER_01 6:05

For sure. That invitational aspect of it, right? Like inviting people in. I loved the idea of it's more than just a school, it's a community. And that invitation, we're inviting you into this community to be a part of it. And what a beautiful way to start your day or or have an initial exposure to the school. So I would imagine that you guys see new families as well as they come in to tour or take a look at the school or request information. What do you what do you hear from them, you know, after their first couple visits or or after that initial visit? Do you do you have the opportunity to to chat with them at times or or what do you hear?

SPEAKER_00 6:39

Yeah, I a lot of people that I talk to, they they love definitely this small community here and and just the friendly, you know, the kids are so great. You see new kids walking the halls, they're always, you know, welcoming them and saying hi. And and so that's what I hear a lot of. It's just they they love that about our community, is how welcoming we really are.

SPEAKER_02 7:01

I get a lot of appreciation actually from parents. Parents all the time will send me emails or or just say it to me in passing, or when they call me on the phone and just say, I appreciate you so much. We appreciate what you're doing here. Like, thank you for you know your hard work, thank you for all the information that you provide and helping us. You know, parents are asking a lot of questions. There's a lot of things to to be in the know of and to figure out, and you know, and so always just being helpful and being friendly and kind about those things. And so parents are really good about thanking me and and everybody else that's kind of in my office or in the school too, just for you know, doing that and doing it nicely. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 7:41

So real talk for a second. What is what does a typical day look like for a K4 front office?

SPEAKER_02 7:49

Every day is different, but mornings are crazy. So yeah, mornings are wild. We're just trying to get everybody through the door and accounted for, you know, and in their places and where they're supposed to be. And then it kind of calms down a little bit, and then we start the the lunch hour rush, which, you know, is a lot of moving parts and uh and it gets a little bit noisier, and then we have a lot of coming and going throughout the days. I mean, there's a lot of kids that leave for various appointments, or you know, I mean, people have a lot going on in their lives these days. So even throughout the school day, there's just a lot going on and a lot to keep track of, and a lot of kids, you know, who's in and out of the building, and and even staff-wise, teachers that are in and out of the building, and which subs are coming in. And so, I mean, it goes in waves for sure, but it's busy. And then you've got the door buzzer that goes nonstop for people wanting in, and the phone is ringing, and I mean, so at times and the band-aids and the T. Yes, and then somebody's bleeding, you know, and yeah, all the things. But and the candy. You just smile and you just try and stay calm and take just take it, you know, one step at a time and give everybody the attention that they deserve. Yeah, and you just, you know, smile through it. Yeah. And the day just whizzes by, it's over before you know it.

SPEAKER_01 9:02

What about for you, Mallory?

SPEAKER_00 9:04

Yeah, I mean, having gone through through K4 too, it is such a different world here, but it's just as chaotic. Yeah, start out, lots of lots of kids rolling in, tardies, appointments. Then yeah, it it kind of calms down. You kind of have, you know, some time to catch up on things. And then afternoons are crazy with activities around here. Just kids are coming and going, lots of stuff, whether it's band or music stuff or act uh, you know, sports type thing. Yeah, and then all the little things in between, you know, somebody's parked in somebody's parking spot or any of those. That's been a fun one, this is. Yeah, it has been fun. But no.

SPEAKER_01 9:40

Somebody keeps stealing mine.

SPEAKER_00 9:41

I I know we're working on that. But no, it's I I agree. The day goes by fast, but it's it's all great stuff that's just part of the day, day-to-day here.

SPEAKER_01 9:51

So, how do you maintain kind of poise in the middle of all that? Right? You, Angie, you mentioned like giving everybody the time that they deserve. And Mallory, you talked about relationships, right? Like that's that's kind of chaos. I know for me, I've sat at the front desk a couple times and I can't sit there for more than three minutes because inevitably the phone will ring multiple times. I don't know how to transfer anybody, and then I'll get a call from a teacher that says I need this kid, or it just innumerable things happen. How do you guys do that?

SPEAKER_00 10:20

It's just multitasking. Yes, absolutely. Great at one time.

SPEAKER_01 10:24

So I'm a terrible multitasker. Okay, fair enough.

SPEAKER_00 10:27

Yeah, no, I think it's just, I mean, there's those days, like, I mean, just like in every real world, it's, you know, you can have those moments of, you know, but I think I think it's just the best to just remember your why, remember why you're here. Remember that, you know, kids may be going having a hard day, or parents, you know, that morning might have had struggles, or so it's just remembering your why of why you're here and being willing to put on that smile and you know, show Christ's love to every student that walks through.

SPEAKER_02 10:58

And I think humor helps. I mean, we we have a lot of humor throughout the day. And with the other people over at St. Francis in the little office that I'm in, I have other people right there next to me. I have Mrs. Falling, I have Nurse Amy, I have Deb Hayes, and they're just all amazing. And to be able to reflect off one another throughout the day and find the humor in all of the things that may be happening, I mean, really, really helps. So I think for sure that little community that I work with and that I love so much, I mean, get gets me through the day.

SPEAKER_01 11:30

Laughter goes a long way, too, especially in some of those like high pressure situations or those those kind of intense ones. Always good to laugh. Why does this role matter more than maybe people realize? Love this question. That was perfect. That's the greatest response to a question. People have to really pause and think. Love it.

SPEAKER_02 11:54

Well, I just just because we are like the forefront to these schools. I mean, really, anybody that's coming to the building or calling the building or you know, they're gonna see Mallory and I first we're the gatekeepers. And so I just think it's really important for us to set the tone and to, you know, demonstrate what it is that we want people to see and believe about our schools. And so I mean, it it it just it is the most important, I I feel like. And I feel blessed that I was put in that position, you know, that you guys trusted me and being the the forefront for the school. And like I said, and I I just have loved it. And so I hope that everybody loves me too.

SPEAKER_00 12:43

I I just think I think it's an important role just in the fact that I look at it as I could be that one person to help change a child's day. And you know, whether that's just, you know, like we said, putting, you know, putting a smile on my face, whether whatever I'm going through that day. So I just think I think it's an important role because you you see a lot of kids throughout a day, and it's important to to reflect on how you can change their life just through your actions in a day.

SPEAKER_01 13:14

Yeah, just beautiful stuff. I think a couple major things that I took away from just this brief conversation, right? The importance of community, the importance of a smile and and and that welcome. And I think that's great, great advice for all of us, right? In in the midst of our crazy days, in the midst of all that happens in life, just just pausing and recognizing that if there is a person in front of you, that person matters, and let's smile at them and let's do our best to make them feel welcome and connected and and in relationship. Just beautiful takeaways, I think that anybody can can walk away from this episode with. Ladies, thank you so much for everything you do. Absolutely incredible. Uh, I love coming in uh and laughing with you. I think I laugh more in the front office than any other place in the building. Um, and that's in large part thanks to you guys. So thank you for everything that you do for our schools.

SPEAKER_00 14:01

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 14:04

Thanks for listening to Rooted in Rising. We'll be back next week with another story worth celebrating.