Employee Spotlight

Kelly Kumar

Kelly Kumar can be seen throughout Casa Loma – she laughs, she smiles, she brings good times to our College family! From greeting students and visitors at the front desk, to helping students and bringing employees coffee, to her main responsibility as Administrative Assistant to the MRI program, Kelly shines. Thank you, Kelly, for all you bring to the College! And congratulations on being selected as this month’s Employee Spotlight.

Tell Us About Yourself? Where were you born? Have you always lived in California? Family? Children?
I was born in Long Beach, California but grew up in Buena Park (Orange Country), CA. I met my husband in 2004 and married him in 2008. We moved to the San Fernando Valley in 2008. We have a beautiful little 8-year-old daughter named Shyla and a cocker-spaniel mix named Oreo.

 What Brought You to Casa Loma College?
In 2012, we had just moved back to California after living in Las Vegas for a year. My daughter was only 9 months old and I was looking for a full-time job. I came across an ad for a receptionist. My background was in front desk/office administration, so it was a perfect fit! Here I am 8 years later and working in the MRI department with an awesome team of people who I consider family. I love what I do.

What inspired you to help students, as you do in this job?
Growing up, I took care of my mom, who had cancer more than half my life. It’s in my nature to want to help people and make things easier for them somehow. I really enjoy being able to help put together all the “small” pieces that lead to seeing my students walk across that stage at graduation.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I can’t possibly name just one thing. I love my students; I love how different they all are and how they keep me on my toes. I love coming into work and being around my coworkers. We all get along so well and everything flows from one person to the next. The best part is watching them on Graduation Day with all their families and friends.

What Have Been Your Most Important, Proudest And/or Favorite Experience in Your Career?
The best part of being the receptionist for so long was I got to see the students from the moment they walked in the door to ask questions, tested and worked hard to get into the program, then kicking butt in the program and all the emotions that go along with it, to finally seeing them graduate. I get very close with a lot of them and keep in touch after they leave. I love it.

Who Has Influenced You the Most in Life and Why?
My mom influenced me the most. She was such a strong woman growing up. I idolized her. Then she got sick and showed me what it really was to fight. They gave her 2 years to live and she lasted 10 more after that. She was the most incredible woman. Everybody fell in love with her. I strive everyday to be half as good as a mom and person as she was.

If you could do another job, anywhere, for just one day, what would it be? And why?
I would work at this little juice shop they had on Plantation Island in Fiji. It had the most beautiful view of the trees, sand and water. I could work there all day if I could.

If You Could Have Dinner with One Person, Living or Dead, Who Would It Be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Scott Klopfinstein. He used to be a trumpet player in the band called Reel Big Fish. Their music was huge to me growing up and I’d love to pick his brain over a nice meal!

How Do You Like to Spend Your Free Time?
I love to read, play kickball with my daughter, hang out with my husband, take our dog for walks. I’m very boring!

 Best vacation you’ve ever had?
Fiji Islands April 2019. I met family and got to listen to the rain from under a tin roof. When we stayed on Plantation Island, our front door was 30 feet from the ocean. It was an experience I will never forget.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m really boring. But that’s not that shocking.

 Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working directly in MRI. I have grown quite the fascination with it since joining the team in 2018.