We have amazing people here at Carnegie Learning. We're constantly inspired by their passion, drive, expertise, and desire to make a difference. In the coming weeks, we'll be introducing some of them to you!
My name is Michelle, and I am an Order Management Specialist. I grew up in Upper St. Clair, a suburb of Pittsburgh. I have two beautiful daughters that take up most of my time. I am lucky to combine some of my passions and interests with my children's. Currently, my girls dance competitively. However, my youngest has found a new passion: golf! I get to use my passion for photography to capture their moments in time. The best of both worlds!
After receiving my Bachelor of Science from Davis & Elkins College, I began working for a food distributor as a receptionist and worked my way up to a buyer and human resource administrator. After 19 years in food service, I made the switch to education. It was the best decision I could have made!
I LOVE my job! That’s right, I said it! I work with some of the most incredible minds and nicest people you will ever meet. As an Order Management Specialist, I work with several departments throughout the day and act as a conduit between Carnegie Learning and the warehouse that ships our textbooks. My responsibilities include validation of information on the order; for example, validating the bill-to and ship-to addresses. We want to make sure that the orders deliver to the correct address!
Once validation is complete, we switch gears to determine inventory from one of our two warehouse locations. I often get requests for information on shipping history and what is left to ship on a multi-year purchase order. I also provide shipment status updates to customers and help them order additional books when needed. I love knowing that the work I do impacts our teachers and students in such a positive way.
When I was eight years old, I was told I had a learning disability. The teachers, counselors and my parents asked me, “Do you understand what we're explaining to you?” I sat there for a few moments and replied, “Yes." I explained to them that I could not learn by repetition, and that my brain was like a string of holiday lights. If one bulb was not working, the whole strand would not work, but if the teacher could explain things to me in different way, then that light bulb would work and the whole strand would light up.
I found Carnegie Learning’s Manifesto to be refreshing after years of frustration. Here is a whole company devoted to transforming math education. Why would I work anywhere else?
Explore more related to this author
Carnegie Learning is a whole company devoted to transforming math education. Why would I work anywhere else?
Michelle Pollak, Order Management Specialist, Carnegie Learning
