At Robertson Road Elementary, the heart of the school isn’t just in the classrooms or hallways—it’s in the front office, where three dedicated staff members have worked side by side for two decades.
School Support Manager Margarita Rubio, Student Records Clerk Diane Heppner, and Typist Clerk II/Translator Alejandra Torres have been the welcoming faces of the school since 2004, forming an unbreakable bond that has shaped the Robertson Road community.
“We’ve been through so much together—marriages, children, even grandkids,” Rubio said. “We’re more than coworkers; we’re family.”
Rubio, Heppner, and Torres were hired by the same principal and quickly formed a team defined by trust, respect, and shared purpose. Their collaboration is seamless, often unspoken, as they tackle each day’s challenges with professionalism and care.
“We know each other so well that we can often just step in and help without even asking,” Heppner said.
This ability to rely on one another has contributed to their success.
Their dedication goes beyond their job titles. The trio serves as a vital family resource by acting as problem-solvers, translators, counselors, and advocates.
“We’ve seen generations of families walk through our doors,” Torres said. “It’s amazing to see kids we once enrolled now bringing their children here. Those connections remind us why we love what we do.”
The trio’s dedication goes far beyond the job description. Whether volunteering for evening events, helping families navigate complex challenges, or simply being a listening ear, their impact reaches every corner of the campus. Their unique roles complement one another. Rubio’s leadership, Heppner’s organization, and Torres’ kindness create a balance that makes the front office a place where everyone feels welcome.
Principal Guillermo Lopez emphasized they’re often the first people families meet when they come to Robertson Road, and they set the tone for the school.
“I could not have asked for a better team!” he added. “Their care and commitment are felt by everyone who walks through our doors. We are very fortunate to have them at Rob Road!”
The team’s bond has remained constant in an ever-changing field. For just over 20 years, they’ve worked under seven different principals and have seen students grow up and graduate. But their commitment to the school and its community has never changed.
“When you love the people you work with and the families you serve, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose,” Heppner said.
As they reflect on two decades of service, Rubio, Heppner, and Torres are quick to share the credit. Their humility and teamwork are what make this milestone so special.
“Twenty years together is rare, but it shows what’s possible when you work with people who share your values and your heart for the community,” Rubio said.
Torres agreed, “We’re more than just coworkers. We’re the ones parents turn to in moments of uncertainty, and we’re here because we care deeply about every family.”
Their story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork, dedication, and the deep bonds that form when people come together with a unified mission.
Rubio summed it up perfectly, “We’re like the Golden Girls. We’ve got each other’s backs, we keep each other laughing, and we handle it together no matter what comes our way. Just like Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia, we make quite the team.”