Helen Leyva joined Santa Fe High’s support staff in August 2022 as a receptionist. 

Ms. Leyva was born and raised in Santa Fe before moving to San Francisco, Calif., where she attended Hayward High School and then pursued IT schooling, which helped her expand her knowledge of computer programming. 

After working at Chevron in San Francisco, she worked as an MVD clerk for 25 years, a job she retired from as a manager. Although her parents stayed in San Francisco, her sister was living in Santa Fe, which was ultimately why she decided to move back.

Her next venture was working at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center as a patient advocate for five years. “I met people from other countries and different cultures, trying to make the families as comfortable as possible,” she said, explaining that she supported relatives of ICU patients, often sitting with them while their loved ones died.

Next she worked for Santa Fe Public Schools as a transportation bus aide for children with disabilities. “I loved my kids and they loved me too,” she said. “I see them now here, how big they have gotten, and how much progress they have accomplished.”

Ms. Leyva emphasized how much of a people person she is. “I have always worked with the public. … I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new cultures,” she said. 

Having a job as a receptionist gives Ms. Leyva new opportunities to interact with all sorts of people: “I love my job here at Santa Fe High School. I have met some amazing people, and I enjoy the kids.”

In her free time, Ms. Leyva plays tennis. She is also a member of Defined Fitness and enjoys swimming throughout the summer. 

Ms. Leyva reported that she has three successful daughters, all of whom are state employees. She made a point of expressing her joy at the fact that her first granddaughter was born on her birthday.