'It's all about the children here'

  • Published
  • By Airman Christopher R. Morales
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Early in the morning, kids go to school, parents go to work ... but toddlers can't stay home alone.

Sleepy children are dropped off as early as 6 a.m. and greeted by the smiling faces of morning staff, including the assistant director.

Lisa Aguilar, assistant director of the Talkeetna Child Development Center, checks in with approximately 240 families, and oversees a staff of more than 80. 

Aguilar began her career at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, as an entry-level employee in 2005.

It wasn't until her second-to-last home, Kadena Air Base, Japan, that she aimed for a more managerial position. For the past three years, she has been an assistant director at the Talkeetna CDC.

"I remember how it was when I wanted to start working and my husband was in the military; I was nervous. Who was going to watch my kids? Was I going to find the right person?" Aguilar said.

Aguilar was born and raised in San Antonio with her extended family just down the road.

"I grew up with a lot of family - big family: aunts, uncles and cousins. Being around people is my passion. I think that sparked my interest in this career field, being around kids," the Texan said.

Aguilar was not only interested in this career field for the love of community, she was also inspired by a previous manager who motivated her to do her best and seemed to bring out excellence in employees.

"I knew what I wanted, and accomplished my education more quickly than usual," Aguilar said.

She put her trust in the CDC to care for her children, and she holds her workplace to the high standard of care her children received.

"We have the right person in the right position," said Kathie DeShasier, War Fighter and Family Service Flight chief of the 673d Force Support Squadron.

Aguilar starts most days as early as 6 a.m., sometimes working more than 11-hour shifts. She attempts to speak with as many families as possible during the course of her day.

"It's a demanding job, with different things happening all the time," Aguilar said.
Aguilar touches base with employees, and checks on the children, but most importantly creates the staff schedule.

"Trying to make a schedule for 80-plus employees can be difficult, because it's detailed, and one mistake will reflect on the whole day," the assistant director said.

Although demanding, Aguilar ensures employees are provided with all the necessary tools to accomplish the job.

"It's all about the children here."