Laura Maldonado does a little bit of everything at Denair Charter Academy. And then she does some more.
Her formal title is administrative assistant to Denair Charter Academy Principal Jamie Pecot, but that doesn’t begin to adequately describe Maldonado’s duties.
She’s a mentor and role model to others, both co-workers and students. She is an information resource to parents and students. She enrolls new students, helps distribute report cards, collaborates with the IT staff on projects, deftly navigates the financial system software, and creates and edits flyers about upcoming events.
Maldonado also is one of the organizers of the district’s Coyote Closet, where community donations allow students and families to privately shop for clothing and other necessities at no cost. During the holiday season, she can often be found shopping with students as part of a Lions Club sponsorship or taking an ornament from the giving tree to purchase gifts for a family in the district.
For all those reasons, Maldonado is Denair Unified’s nominee this year for the countywide Employees Making a Difference awards competition. She and the other nominees will be recognized Jan. 22 during a ceremony at the Stanislaus County Office of Education.
“Laura’s contributions are vast and varied, making her an indispensable member of the school team,” Pecot wrote in her nomination form. “Far beyond her role as an administrative assistant, she demonstrates compassion and commitment to both students and families, ensuring they are connected to valuable resources and support when needed. Her approach makes her an essential and trusted part of the school community.”
Maldonado has worked in the district since 2018. She has filled various office roles and became Pecot’s administrative assistant in 2023. She calls DCA her “home away from home” and relishes the variety of people with whom she routinely connects. DCA works with parents who home-school their children in kindergarten through eighth grade and also provides an independent study option for high school students.
“I love the fact that I can interact with kids of all ages,” Maldonado said. “In a day, I get to see the innocence of a kindergartner and their spark for exploring and then five minutes later interact with a senior who is planning their adult life. I get the best of both worlds. I also love the people I work with.”
Maldonado’s peers appreciate her selfless approach to everything she touches.
“Laura is caring and compassionate and her heart for others has been a haven when I have been sad and suffering,” said librarian Patte Hegg. “She shows she is aware of and concerned for the well-being of others. This attitude aids the overall atmosphere at school, which makes my job more joyful.”
Jasmin Baltazar, the new administrative aide to Superintendent Terry Metzger, said Maldonado “has been an incredible guide since I started working for the district.”
“Her patience and support have made a significant difference in my experience,” Baltazar said. “Not only is she always willing to help, but her advice is truly invaluable.”
Metzger praised Maldonado for her giving spirit and attitude, saying, “Laura is always ready to help others and she does it with a smile.”
Maldonado credits her parents for instilling within her the values others appreciate so much.
“My parents have always told me, ‘You should treat others as you would like to be treated,’ ” she said. “I follow this with everyone I encounter so I’m going to say that’s where my giving spirit comes from.”
