Ms. Lilliana Robledo, the newly appointed principal of Mt Charleston Elementary School, brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of passion to her role. With 17 years in education, her journey has been diverse, spanning from working with preschool students to providing in-home therapy for children with developmental delays. Ms. Robledo’s early career included roles as a long-term substitute teacher and a service coordinator, where she connected families with essential resources. These experiences, combined with her time teaching in early childhood inclusion classrooms, led her to pursue a second Master’s degree in administration. “I became a change agent for families and children,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of her students.
Ms. Robledo’s vision for Mt Charleston Elementary is clear and focused. This school year, her primary goals are to introduce a professional learning cycle system and promote the use of positive language with students. “Our foremost goal is to ensure that every student masters the essential standards we have selected,” she explains. This involves regular meetings to analyze student data and integrate it into daily practices. Additionally, Ms. Robledo is implementing a coaching system in partnership with UNR’s Pyramid coaches, who will provide professional development and assist in classroom implementation. The school’s motto, “Happy Hearts, Safe Bodies,” reflects her dedication to developing well-rounded individuals who will make unique contributions to society.
A typical day for Ms. Robledo is a whirlwind of activity and engagement. It begins with tackling a mountain of emails, followed by opening the school gates with custodian Mr. Scot, whom she describes as “a superhero in disguise.” Ms. Robledo then visits classrooms, engaging in block-building and artistry with students. “Lunch duty is the highlight of my day,” she shares, where she connects with students and unleashes her comedic skills. Despite the challenges, including managing numerous responsibilities and navigating parent meetings, Ms. Robledo finds joy in the small moments of connection and humor throughout her day.
Engaging with students, parents, and the broader community is a cornerstone of Ms. Robledo’s approach. She plans to establish a monthly parent meeting, known as PAC, to involve parents in decision-making for monthly engagement events. “We place tremendous value on connecting with parents as an essential component of the preschool experience,” she notes. The school also partners with the Pahrump Holiday Task Force and Kiwanis to provide additional value to the community they serve.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Robledo is deeply family-oriented. As a single mom to two demanding children, she balances her career with her personal life through weekly family meetings with her two sisters and her mom. She finds solace in traveling to exotic places and losing herself in the magical world of books, which helps her maintain a sense of balance and sanity.
Ms. Robledo is passionate about ensuring that Mt Charleston Elementary serves all families in the community. The school primarily serves preschool students who qualify via income limits, and Ms. Robledo is eager to reach families who may not be aware of the preschool’s existence. “We want to serve all families in our community and ensure that we are leaving our positive grain of sand in the development of a good human,” she says. The school offers both a half-day program and a full-day program, with automatic qualification for children in the foster care system who are four years old.
In just six months, Ms. Robledo has already made a significant impact at Mt Charleston Elementary. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, combined with her passion for education and community engagement, promises a bright future for the students and families she serves.
