Hamilton County, TN — Anna Bernstein loves helping East Lake Elementary thrive by building connections that make students and their families feel supported.
Now entering her third year as school coordinator, Bernstein brings her love for people to her daily work with families. She earned her degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is working toward a master’s degree in social work.
Bernstein loves how her work impacts people in special ways. She recalls that at a school event, a mother stopped to introduce her husband to Bernstein. The mother’s introduction was simple: “This is the woman who helped us during Christmas.”
Months had passed since Bernstein offered that help. But the mother had not forgotten.
For Bernstein, moments like this show how much a connection can mean to a family.
During Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week, we celebrate Bernstein and the care she brings to East Lake Elementary. As the school’s community school coordinator, every day feels special and different to her.
“There’s no typical day,” Anna said.
Some days, she meets with a community partner to discuss a new project. Other days, she packs snack bags or prepares for a parent event. A family’s visit to the school can also shift her plans for the day.
Her work reaches across the school, from after-school programs to the food pantry. Each task is another way to connect families with people who can help.
The holiday season offers some of her clearest reminders of why those connections matter.
When a mother came to the school looking for help, Bernstein had one referral spot left in a sponsorship program she knew about. She connected the family with the program and the family was so thankful they had Bernstein at the school.
That support is possible because of the school’s community partners. Bernstein shared that a community partner like Calvary Chapel provides Christmas gifts for every student at East Lake Elementary. Bernstein spoke highly of the many partners who help make her job meaningful.
Sara McDowell and the Thrasher Elementary PTA are also special partners Bernstein spoke very highly of because of their support during the holiday season. They provide donations for East Lake Elementary’s Holiday Store, where students get to pick out Christmas gifts.
“We get to see our partners make a difference for our families,” she said.
That spirit of care also shapes how Bernstein works with families throughout the year.
A parent may need help getting school messages through ParentSquare. Another may have a concern about their child. Bernstein wants each conversation to begin with a sense of trust.
“We’re on the same team, and we’re going to try to figure this out together.”
Teachers can turn to Bernstein when a student needs help, too. They work together to find support through the school’s partners.
At the volunteer appreciation breakfast, Bernstein gets to bring many of these partners together. They share how they have helped East Lake Elementary and learn more about the differences their work makes.
For Bernstein, the event is a chance to thank the people behind that support. It also shows how many relationships are part of her daily work.
Much of her job happens behind the scenes. Families may see it in the form of a care package or when they receive a school message. A child may feel it in the joy of choosing a gift for someone at home.
This week, we thank Anna Bernstein for the care behind those moments and for helping East Lake families feel welcome.
Thank you for all you do, Anna!
