Faced with a fresh set of challenges and a newly assigned group of students, Lisandra Latorre is ready for whatever comes her way in her first year as a counselor at Chamblee Charter High School.

Last year, Latorre joined the Chamblee ranks as a Student Engagement Coach, a position intended to provide individualized academic support to certain students. This year, the grant that funded the position in Dekalb County was not funded, and she was informed of the possibility of reassignment or termination. Eager to stay at the school, she searched for an opportunity to stay at Chamblee.

“Chamblee’s diversity and spirit of family prompted me to seek another position on the Chamblee team,” said Latorre. “I was given a resounding welcome back to the Chamblee family as a counselor by the faculty, staff and students at Chamblee and I am forever thankful.”

Latorre was originally born in Puerto Rico and grew up in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She learned English at the age of seven. The experiences she’s gained have helped her during her time as Student Engagement Coach.

“My bilingual skills were an important factor, but also my experience as a counselor that has served diverse communities for over 20 years,” said Latorre. “I have a passion to serve and a personal goal to purposefully, positively impact my students’ lives at Chamblee with every interaction, in a meaningful way.”

Latorre is excited to work with students more in depth this year.

“I love interacting with my students, discussing the endless possibilities in their futures, the returning students and alumnae who talk about how they stuck to the plan or diverted and return because I impacted their journey, and they want to share their stories with me,” she said.

In high school, Latorre focused on her grades, and her extra-curriculars: Spanish Club, Honor Society, Quiz Bowl Team, and Book Club.

“I’d say we had the same fears and aspirations,” she said. “I struggled getting to my classes on time when one class was on the 4th floor and the other somewhere in the trailers because we were overpopulated, and lunch was too short.”

In her free time, Latorre enjoys reading and taking care of her three-year-old granddaughter.

While at work, she’s struggled with time; there hasn’t been enough hours in the day to spend with each student.