Sara Timofeev has served as a Community Liaison/Community Support Associate at Colonial IU 20 for the past four years, where she plays a vital role in supporting students and families in RESOLVE Behavioral Health.
Sara’s journey with Colonial IU 20 began in 2010 as an Associate Teacher in Autistic Support, an experience that gave her valuable insight into the challenges students face and the importance of building strong connections. In her current role, she continues to provide that same care and commitment, offering not only resources, but also compassion and understanding.
For Sara, human connection is extremely important to her work. “The most rewarding part about working as a Community Liaison is knowing you're helping a person that may be stuck or simply needs someone to walk with them through something,” she shared. Her approach centers on truly listening, rather than just problem-solving. “Actively listening helps me build relationships with families, students, and staff.”
In the near future, Sara will be co-facilitating a Workplace Wellness Committee open to all CIU20 employees, which she hopes will "encourage staff to reimagine workplaces as engines of well-being." When asked what advice she would give to a new IU employee, Sara offered words of encouragement: “Whatever role you have, you are a valued member of the CIU20 community.”
Daria Scott, Supervisor of Therapeutic Emotional Support, shared high praise for Sara’s impact: “Sara’s dedication to supporting families and students goes above and beyond expectations. Her work in areas such as transportation, homelessness, and job assistance reflects her commitment to tackling the real-life challenges that affect student success. By fostering strong communication with teachers and the clinical team, she ensures that every student receives the comprehensive support they need to thrive.”