Whether through a swimming lesson, an art class, or simply a smile, each day the Tucson J staff brightens the lives of our members and guests. We are proud of the variety of skills and stories that our staff bring to their work, and celebrate this each week through our Facebook and Instagram “Staff Spotlight” series.
Continue reading on for a preview of our June spotlights, and check out the full posts at all @tucsonjcc accounts!
Caitlin Jacob | Director of Afterschool Programming
Q: Tell us about your professional background and role at the J!
A: My primary focus is JCare, where I help create a safe and fun environment for our kiddos while supporting my counselors. I have been working with children for about 9 years in a variety of roles. I taught Montessori for a small private school back home in Louisiana, where I was also the Athletic Director, volleyball and basketball coach, and the Fall Festival game booth chairman. From there, I began to work in behavioral health at a center for children with autism, and then I taught at a Behavioral Health Residential Facility until I was drawn to the J.
Q: Tucson must-see or do?
A: Since I am new to Tucson, there is still so much I have not done. I am currently moving through a list of restaurants that Tucson natives have recommended to me. My favorite so far is Odon, a ramen restaurant downtown.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as you get further into your role?
A: I am looking forward to seeing all of the kiddos grow and experience unique activities that the J can provide. I enjoy checking in on groups and watching them communicate and engage with one another. The friendships made at the J are so important; it’s amazing to watch them go from shy, new kiddos to outgoing and confident ones.
Martha Watson | Compliance Manager
Q: Tell us about your professional background and role at the J!
A: I started my career doing claims processing for a few auto and property insurance companies. I took a leave from work to take care of my grandma, and returning to the workforce, I was lucky to find the J! I started working at the J in Member Services and have recently moved into my role as Compliance Manager. I primarily handle files on the back end for multiple departments to be compliant with state and federal guidelines.
Q: Tucson must-see or do?
A: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! The Otter and Prairie Dogs just returned to their exhibits, after being absent for almost a year. The Museum is also adding an interactive exhibit next year to teach about water systems in the desert.
Q: If you could instantly learn any skill, what would it be and why?
A: To be fluent in any language. I love communicating with diverse groups of people!
Sadya Esmati | ECE Instructor
Hello! My name is Sadya, and I have been teaching at the J for three years. I really enjoy working with the 3-year-olds because they are full of curiosity, energy, and joy. Every day with them is different, and it makes me happy to see how quickly they learn and grow.
In my free time, I like to go for walks, listen to music, go shopping, watch movies, do makeup, and paint. Teaching at the J has been a wonderful experience for me, and I feel thankful to be part of such a supportive team and community.
