Employee Spotlight

Carren Down

Last, but definitely not the least of our 2019 Employee Spotlights features Carren Downs. While you will see Carren spending most of her days in PTA – there will be times that she goes back to her roots and spends some time with our ultrasound students! Wherever she finds herself, she is absolutely an asset to the College.

Tell Us About Yourself? Where were you born? Have you always lived in California? Family? Children?
I was born in Stuttgart, West Germany, but have lived the majority of my life in Southern California. I am married and between us we have six children and four dogs that we love dearly.

What Brought You to Casa Loma College?
One day in 2009, I received a random phone call from “Sharon Dugan, with Casa Loma College”.   She saw my resume posted online and reached out to me about the DMS Clinical Coordinator position.   I wasn’t really looking for work but became excited about the opportunity to work with DMS students. And, I have been here ever since.

What inspired you to help students, as you do in this job?
The best part of my job is getting to know each of the students and supporting their efforts to reach their professional and personal goals.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I Love my work family!  We have a great team and enjoy each other’s company.

Who Has Influenced You the Most in Life and Why?
My mom had the greatest influence on me. I admire the strength she had to accomplish anything she put her mind to.   She always saw the positive in every situation and the good in all people.

 If you could do another job, anywhere, for just one day, what would it be? And why?
Professional photographer.  I enjoy exploring our world and capturing images of the beauty around us.

If You Could Have Dinner with One Person, Living or Dead, Who Would It Be and why?
Definitely my mom.  I miss her, so spending another evening with her would be very special.

How Do You Like to Spend Your Free Time?
So many things! Spending time with my kids, photography, concerts, traveling, cycling, running, reading, hiking, sitting on the beach, and enjoying a sunset.

 Best vacation you’ve ever had?
Isn’t every vacation the best we’ve ever had?  Lol!   I enjoy visiting new places and plugging into different cultures.   I’ have visited Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico.  My favorite vacations are spent with my kids and close friends.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I quit Girl Scouts to play on a boy’s little league team.   It was the first year they allowed girls to join the league, so I was the only girl on our team.   My position was third base and short stop. I also played on and managed an indoor soccer team.   The team consisted of moms that had never played the game before.   Actually, we won the championship our second season!  We were called the “Ups N Downs”.  Get it?    Great memories for sure……our kids were our biggest cheerleaders!