CORE VALUES MATTER.

Natasha Derakhshanian

Operations Manager

As Citizens of the World’s Operations Manager, Natasha keeps the school running smoothly. “In a nutshell, I help manage and oversee everything outside of the classroom,” she said. “Meals, maintenance, technology, billing, emergency planning -- I manage all the things that a school needs to run but isn’t necessarily a classroom function.” She doesn't spend her days in the classroom, but she still finds ways to connect with students and create meaningful relationships every day. 

What is your favorite thing about the school?
One of my favorite things about working at Citizens is how we encourage all of the staff to create connections with the kids. So while it’s not written in my job description that I create meaningful bonds with students, it’s encouraged that I do. It ties into the holistic approach that the school has about creating meaningful connections. That really means a lot to me because while I’m not a teacher, I still enjoy children and being a positive influence in their lives, and Citizens encourages me to do that.

Citizens' five core values are Excellence, Diversity, Authenticity, Change, and Community. Which one stands out the most to you and why?
I really love that Citizens has core values, and I really love all the core values that we’ve chosen, so it’s hard to pick just one. But I will choose Community. Since we are social creatures, we have to rely on our community for a lot of our day-to-day lives and so the fact that “Community” is in the forefront of our minds and our intentions at Citizens is meaningful to me. I also live in midtown Kansas City, and it’s important for me to be a part of an organization that is intentionally lifting up our community and growing in positive, meaningful ways. I want all of the people in my community to know that I value them, and that is why I am so thankful to have a job that lets me fulfill that personally and professionally. 

What is something you think the Kansas City community should know about Citizens?
I do think that it’s important for families that are looking at different schools to know that we have a lot of adults in this building and that all of those adults really want the best for each and every single child. From our janitor to the meals team that I manage, to the community partners that come into the school - we are all really encouraged to have those connections with the kids. I do think that it’s really special when we all know that we’re all here for the kids!

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