By the time most students arrive at school around 7:45 a.m., Upper School Administrative Assistant Heather Udell has already been hard at work setting up for the upcoming day. She creates the displays pictured on the screens in the cardo, reviews attendance lists and checks who will be late or absent so she can update powerschool. Although this is routine for Udell and these tasks have become second nature to her, they are all essential for ensuring the school day runs smoothly.

Udell’s time at CESJDS began in 2018 while she was working part time, helping around the office a few hours a day with little tasks in order to have time to look after her kids. After the school’s prior full-time administrative assistant left, she was offered the position and took the job full time in 2019. Ever since, she’s been the go-to person for various tasks, from scanning late sign-in sheets and assisting students who forgot their IDs to mailing packages and keeping the school’s operations on track.

“My favorite thing about my job is the interactions with students and faculty,” Udell said. “No two days are the same and every single staff [member] that I interact with is a partner in helping to keep the school running smoothly.”

One of Udell’s many responsibilities is partnering with Dean of Students Roslyn Landy to coordinate major events like the senior class’ graduation and siyyum. At the same time, she is also available to High School Principal and Head of Upper School Campus Lisa Vardi as a source of support, stepping in whenever an issue needs to be handled. 

“[Udell] is a central point in so many ways,” Vardi said. “She’s just so happy and joyful and we all appreciate it.”

According to Udell, her meticulous system for managing emails and lists is the foundation of her efficiency. She compiled a three-ring binder, filled with detailed processes for every aspect of her job. 

After a day of running around answering emails, timing the bells and assisting Vardi and Landy, Udell thinks that time to relax and unwind is crucial. She enjoys going on walks, playing with her cats, reading and spending time with her kids, senior Alana Udell and college freshman Coby Udell.

“My mom does so much for this school,”  Alana said. “We get here at 7 a.m. and she immediately starts working.”

Alana periodically checks in with her mom during the day. She stops by her office to ask questions, get the car keys during lunch or just to talk. Alana said she enjoys having her mom at school with her so that she can ask questions throughout the day as they come up.

“I know [JDS] is special because the atmosphere and environment is so welcoming,” Udell said.