Hollinger K-8 School

Lillian Regalado is new to Hollinger K-8 School – and Tucson Unified, in fact. The office manager started working for both the District and Hollinger over the summer, but she already feels like she’s found her place.  

Previously having worked for another school district in the Three Points area, Lillian came to Tucson Unified because she felt there was a better opportunity to grow. And so far she loves it, even if it feels challenging at times. 

“The families, the students, the staff are amazing,” she said. “Everybody’s been amazing.” 

Katie Wood is a Tucson transplant from LaFayette, La. by way of Flagstaff. It is both her second year in Tucson and working at Hollinger K-8 School. So far, Ms. Wood’s class has done human sundials, recreated Earth’s rotation with light bulbs, and will soon cook something with solar ovens. She said a lot of the learning projects done in class are from curriculum supplied by the District. 

As far as what she liked best about teaching, Katie said she loved learning as a child, so she loves getting the chance to see when a student finally understands a lesson. 

“When that light bulb goes off, that’s exciting to me,” she said. “Especially if they come in with more challenges than some. When they start making that progress, you can see the pride in their faces and that excites me.” 

Mayra Ruiz is a six-year employee of Hollinger K-8 School. She initially started her career as a social worker and then transitioned to a teacher, which inspired her to become a counselor. She wanted to help more students in her community.  

And so far, the transition to counseling has paid off. Mayra says she loves working with the students at Hollinger. 

“I hope I’m the counselor that the students feel safe with,” she said. “And not only the students, but the parents, the families and also the community around me.”