Getting to Know Advancement Associate, Lara Robeznieks

What drew you to working in school advancement, and what do you love most about your role at AVS?

My journey with AVS began at the front desk, supporting our founding Head of School, Ed Walters, before I moved into the classroom to teach fourth-grade science. After a brief time away, I realized how much I missed the Alta Vista community and felt a pull to return—this time with a desire to support the school’s mission on a broader scale.

What I love most about Advancement is that it allows me to stay connected to the heart of the school. I still get to share morning smiles at drop-off, but I also get to collaborate with parents, teachers, and leadership every day. Bringing a former educator’s lens to fundraising is incredibly rewarding, especially when it comes to tuition assistance. I’m deeply passionate about ensuring students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to an AVS education.

Which AVS value or tradition resonates most with you?

Having been a part of the AVS community since 2017, I have seen our school grow and evolve, but the value that resonates most deeply with me is being grounded in community.

Because I’ve been fortunate enough to experience so many AVS traditions—from the energy of our learning celebrations to the quiet, meditative Mindful Moments—I’ve seen firsthand how this value functions as our heartbeat. Since my early days running the front office, I’ve watched us transition from a small, burgeoning school to the established community we are today, all while maintaining that essential feeling of being "in it together."

What I love most about our traditions is that they aren't just events; they are expressions of our commitment to being inclusive, curious, and respectful. Whether we are celebrating the "serious play" that happens in our classrooms or gathering for school-wide milestones, there is a tangible sense of collective support. Having seen the school through the eyes of a staff member, a teacher, and now an advancement professional, I am constantly moved by how we prioritize the "whole child" by ensuring they feel they truly belong to something larger than themselves.

To me, being grounded in community means that we don't just teach students how to be great academics; we teach them how to be great neighbors and citizens. That shared journey is why I love this school so much.

What does a typical (or not-so-typical!) day look like for you?

What I love most about my role is that no two days are ever the same! My mornings typically start with brewing a fresh pot of coffee for the team before I head out for the best part of my day: greeting students at drop-off. Once the school day is in full swing, I dive into the 'behind-the-scenes' work that keeps AVS thriving—whether I’m processing donations, running data reports, or drafting school-wide communications.

Throughout the day, I balance technical donor support with high-level planning for committee meetings or the Community Celebration. You might also find me on the playground for recess duty, connecting with our alumni, or collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team on our long-term fundraising goals. It’s a busy mix of logistics and heart, and I wouldn't have it any other way!