Employee Spotlight: Marie Ganister

03/26/2018 -

Name:
Marie Ganister

Years at SCOE:
17

Job Title:
CTE Culinary Instructor at Windsor High School/ Coordinator of Vineyard Academy

How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
As the coordinator of Windsor High's Vineyard Academy, I’m responsible for ensuring all teachers in the academy have what they need to teach. I plan extracurricular activities such as field trips, summer planning time for teachers, and I just wrote a grant to extend Vineyard Academy into Windsor Middle School. I act as a liaison between teachers in Vineyard Academy and school administration, the district, SCOE, and the state.

Where did you grow up?
Southern California. I moved to San Francisco and became a union chef at Fisherman’s wharf. I spent years cooking in SF and Sonoma County.

Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
I went to Catholic school. Sister Mary Antonine was kind and sweet.

What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
SCOE is great because if I need something, I can call and get an answer right away. I can get support, I can get backup, I can get answers to any questions immediately.

What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
I nominated a student, Brittany Edgar, for outstanding CTE student of the year for the county and she was chosen. It was really a wonderful moment.

Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
You know what’s funny? Cooking! I go home and make something different than what we made at school. I love to feed people. It’s one very successful way I can be creative.

What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
Doran beach campground, site # 6. That is my favorite spot. We reserve that several weekends a year. It’s on the bay side and you get a beautiful view at night of the reflection on the water. It’s secluded and private. We go rain or shine.

What is one thing that might surprise people to learn about you?
I have a motorcycle license. I used to have a Harley. Now, I ride a VESPA.