Sonoma County Office of Education

Employee Spotlight: Maria Verdejo

08/02/2019 - Maria Verdejo

Name:
Maria Verdejo

Years at SCOE:
17 years. I started as a teaching assistant in Special Education and was there for five years. Then worked seven years with North Coast School of Education. The rest of the time I’ve been with Business Services.

Job Title:
Payroll Analyst

How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I process payroll for SCOE certificated employees.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Mexico and my parents brought me to the United States when I was two years old. I grew up in Sonoma County. My dad had a job milking cows in Sebastopol and we lived on a ranch there. We moved to Santa Rosa when I was in second grade.

Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why? I had a high school teacher, Ms. Lacey, who I really liked because she was so energetic and fun. She always made her class interesting so that we felt like we wanted to be there.

What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
The people—everyone is always so nice. Everyone works toward the common goal to help students in the county.

What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
Working with the students when I was a teaching assistant in special ed. Being part of the team that works together for the benefit of the students and feeling happy when a student accomplished something that they had been struggling with.

Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
Spending time with my family. We have a large family and we’re very close. We usually gather at my mom’s house. My mom has 20 grandkids and we get together and catch up on what everyone has been doing. I also love to read.

What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
I’d have to say the beach. We go to Bodega Bay. My daughter loves the water so much and both her and my son enjoy being outdoors.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I did modeling for about a year as a teenager. My mom signed me up for it. I think she wanted to get me out of my shell. It was hard in the beginning, but after awhile I actually started to enjoy it.