Carla Allen brings experience and TJ spirit to the treasurer's office. photo by Mia Grijalva
Thomas Jefferson parent has graced the treasurer’s office to aid students and faculty.
Colorado native Carla Allen, a new face to TJ, has joined the community as the new treasurer. After the departure of former treasurer Monique Alexander, Allen stepped in during the middle of the 2016-17 school year to handle the school’s finances. She is in charge of processing payments for any expenses the school has, paying for services such as a DJ for a dance like Homecoming, and keeping track of where money is how much money is in the school’s account.
Previously an operations manager for a company that provides nationwide support for companies that use temporary staffing, she left in July looking for a new opportunity. Her daughter, senior Tyra Allen, has attended TJ for the past four years, and through that Allen has met many students and parents and has had the chance to interact with many different staff members. She decided to accept the job as TJ’s treasurer because of the connections she had already made and the family atmosphere that she noticed around the school. “I enjoy helping the students, the staff, and of course seeing my daughter during the day,” commented Allen.
Allen was born and raised in Denver and attended East High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Colorado. Although she’s lived in Denver for most of her life, Allen has also lived in Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Salt Lake City. One of Allen’s favorite hobbies is traveling, and she’s visited all except ten states in America. During her life, she has also traveled to Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Along with shopping, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters and her four grandchildren. “When I’m not with [my grandchildren] you can usually find me and Tyra at a mall or eating at one of our favorite restaurants,” Allen added. Shopping and watching movies are among some of her favorite hobbies as well, The Devil Wears Prada being her favorite movie.
As Allen becomes a more familiar face around the school, she is excited to connect with the students and immerse herself in the community of TJ. Stepping up to a new position half-way through the school year can be difficult to adapt to the environment and the new demands of the job; however, Allen is making moves to aid both the administrative team and the students. Principal Mike Christoff mentioned, “She has a very positive attitude, she’s very professional, and she definitely knows how to do her job.” Allen is a beneficial addition to the TJ staff and is looking forward to continue in working hard in her new position at the school.
