Thirty years ago, Shelley Sinning took a job that would forever change her life and the lives of countless students, parents, and teachers at Lincoln Elementary in Ottawa. What started as a career shift from accounting quickly turned into a vibrant, multifaceted role as the school secretary, where Shelley became the heart and soul of the building. Through her three decades of service, she’s become the “constant” through the tenures of seven different principals, all while juggling an endless stream of phone calls, doorbells, intercoms, and more.

But Shelley’s story didn’t start with a typical job application or an HR department. “I learned about this job from Alison Cresto,” Shelley says, recalling how a casual conversation led to her career at Lincoln. “Our husbands worked together, and we were at a family get-together. I mentioned that I was looking for a new job to spend more time with my kids, and Alison said, ‘Would you be interested in applying for a job here?’” And just like that, Shelley stepped into a role that would become a lifelong calling.

Shelley’s first day on the job wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. The secretary she was replacing was supposed to train her but couldn’t because her son was in a serious accident. So, Shelley was left on her own to figure things out. “I went home and said to my husband, ‘I don’t know if I can do this,’” she laughs.

Nevertheless, within days, Shelley fell in love with the new job that almost wasn’t. “What I love about it is that every day is different,” she says. “When I walk in the door, the day flies by—it’s over in the blink of an eye.” But that fast-paced environment comes with its own set of challenges. From managing nearly 200 preschoolers to juggling administrative tasks, Shelley has learned to handle just about anything thrown her way.

“You have to be ready for everything,” Shelley says, reflecting on her role at the frontlines of the school. “There are parents, teachers, administrators, and kids all needing something, and you have to keep it all together. People come in and say, ‘I don’t know how you do this all day,’ but you learn to handle it.”

And handle it she has. Over the years, Shelley has seen the school grow and change, particularly with the expansion of the preschool program. “When I started, we had one preschool class with maybe ten kids,” she recalls. “Now we have seven classes, with one full-day class and six half-day ones.” Shelley has been there for every step of Lincoln Elementary’s transformation, managing not just the logistics but also the human element—the parents, teachers, and students who rely on her.

One of the most striking things about Shelley’s tenure is her ability to form long-lasting relationships with students and families. “Now I’m seeing second generations come through,” Shelley says. “I had students who are now bringing their kids in, and sometimes their grandkids. It’s really cool to see them grow up.”

Despite her deep connection to the school, Shelley maintains a level-headed perspective on the work. “You have to stay organized, especially now with all the technology,” she explains. “We used to do things by hand, and now everything is computerized. It’s easier in some ways, but harder in others.” Shelley has embraced the changing times, learning new systems and adjusting to the growing demands of the job.

When asked what she’ll miss most when she eventually retires, Shelley’s answer is simple: “Everything. The staff, the kids, even the noise of recess outside the window. I just love the energy of the school.” Her days may be filled with endless tasks, but it’s clear that Shelley finds joy in the whirlwind of activity.

As she reflects on her career, Shelley acknowledges the impact she’s had on the community. “Kids always come up to me and say they loved Lincoln,” she says. “I always try to be welcoming and respectful to everyone. I want them to feel that this was a place where they belonged.”

For Shelley Sinning, being the school secretary has never been just a job. It’s been a journey filled with music, laughter, and meaningful connections. And while the principals may have come and gone, Shelley has remained the constant—an anchor in a sea of change, ensuring that every student, teacher, and parent feels at home at Lincoln Elementary.