Staff Spotlight: Christie Galati-Attendance Technician at Lincoln High School

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Christie Galati, attendance technician at Lincoln High School. 

“Christie goes above and beyond to connect to families and solve attendance issues. LHS is really lucky to have her, as her positivity, bubbly personality and reliability are a huge asset to our school community.” - Lincoln High School Secretary Kayla Kolts

How long have you worked for LPS?
This will be my third school year at Lincoln High School!

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Originally, I got my bachelor's degree and started my professional career path in advertising and public relations, which I absolutely loved. But deep down I had always known that I wanted to work with students. I took a risk and did a substitute teaching job at Lincoln High School in 2021, and then continued to work in the school that I had once walked the halls, while figuring out my next steps to expand my role of reaching more students meaningfully. I am thankful for my experiences in LPS as a student and want to make our community and school system stronger for future generations with the same support that I had when I needed it growing up. 

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of working at Lincoln High is how welcoming everyone is. We are one giant family, and I think anyone who walks in the building can feel it. Growing up with parents who immigrated to the U.S., I love how diverse our student population is, and I am honored to work in a school that embraces that. I think the most rewarding part of my job is the relationships with students that are built—especially the ones that seem unexpected to begin with! I love when I run into a student that I've been working with, and they are proud to show me that they have been working hard on their attendance. It's awesome!

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I grew up going to Zeman, Roper, Park and then Lincoln High!

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
After high school, I attended UNL and got my bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations with minors in psychology, business and Czech. I worked in social media marketing and graphic design for a while and even worked at Walt Disney World! I just got accepted to attend Doane University to get my master’s in school counseling, so I am very excited to work toward being a school counselor one day.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Growing up with parents who immigrated from Vietnam, I love how we as a city are so welcoming to refugees from all over the world. I think our diversity makes us a lot stronger as a whole. And it gives a lot of fun restaurants to try!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced you positively?
I love the book "Julie and Julia" because it inspires me to cook and travel more!

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Shout out to my former school counselors who were there for me when I needed them. Thank you Ms. Lisa Mischke and Ms. Virginia Saporta for your long-lasting impact in my life!

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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