Ms. Harrison joined team Synergy in 2012 after having worked 20+ years in the financial and judicial fields. Denise was new to the Greater Hartford area and sought a workplace where she could be a part of a “family-oriented, loving, and inclusive” environment which she found very quickly as Synergy’s School Secretary.
Throughout her 9+ years at Synergy, Denise saw hundreds of students find great success by engaging with staff and administration to pursue their goals of graduation and college and career readiness. Denise’s personal goal was to ensure that she, too, provided a welcoming and safe space for students encouraging empathy to their unique needs no matter the circumstance. Students Ms. Harrison looks back fondly at her memories of Synergy particularly during graduations where students were recognized for their academic and personal triumphs. Ms. Harrison’s belief in Team Synergy was cemented when students rallied and supported her after experiencing a difficult loss. She knew that, despite the many challenges, Synergy provided a support network for and amongst staff and students.
Now, Ms. Harrison serves as the Lead Human Resources Specialist supporting staff on the district level. Transitioning out of Synergy was difficult for Denise as she had grown to consider Synergy “home” but she, now, brings with her Synergy principles of empathy and compassion. She takes great pride in seeing former Synergy students entering the workforce some of which have joined East Hartford Public Schools. Denise left current and future Synergy students with the following wisdom, “It is never too late to find yourself or your purpose. I know it’s not easy but it is doable. With your Synergy family, you’ll always be successful. They are always here to guide you. Never give up.”