At AlphaBEST, many team members discover opportunities to grow their careers while continuing to make a meaningful impact on children and families. For Karen Lopez, that journey began as a Group Leader and evolved into leadership roles on-site before ultimately leading to a position in recruiting. In this conversation, she shares her career path, lessons learned, and what she looks for when helping candidates find their place at AlphaBEST.
What inspired you to transition into recruiting, and what excited you most about making that move?
To be honest, recruiting wasn’t originally on my radar.
I simply knew that I wanted to continue growing within AlphaBEST, and the timing was perfect. The Recruiter position became available right when I was looking for my next opportunity.
Once I learned more about the role, it felt like a natural fit. I already understood the company, the programs, and what it takes to be successful in the field. Being able to use that experience to help bring new team members into AlphaBEST was really exciting.
Tell us about your AlphaBEST journey. How did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?
I joined AlphaBEST in April 2018 as a Group Leader in Prince William County, Virginia. I was hired while attending Northern Virginia Community College, where I was pursuing an Associate’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child Care. I already had some experience working with children, so AlphaBEST felt like a natural fit.
After about two and a half months during the school year, I worked my first summer camp under the leadership of my Site Director, Carrie. She was an incredible mentor who saw my potential and encouraged me to take the next step. She recommended me for a Site Director position, and after another interview, I was promoted!
My first school as a Director was Marumsco Hills Elementary, and that’s where my leadership journey truly began. Over the next six and a half years, I continued to grow, taking on programs at larger schools and gaining more responsibility.
By 2024, I was ready to explore additional growth opportunities within AlphaBEST. I was offered the HR Recruiter position for Prince William County, and today, eight years later, I’m still doing what I love – just in a different capacity.
You spent years working on-site before moving into recruiting. How did that experience shape your perspective on hiring and supporting candidates?
As my experience grew, so did the size of the programs I managed. I started at a small site with just 10 children and two staff members. By 2024, I was leading a program serving 80 children with a team of five staff members.
I also worked every camp opportunity available, which gave me valuable experience in staffing, leadership, and program management. While AlphaBEST programs all follow the same values and licensing standards, every school community is unique. Each site has its own culture, team dynamics, and needs.
Having firsthand experience on-site allows me to give candidates a realistic picture of what the job looks like and help determine whether they’re a strong fit for a specific location and manager. During orientation, I can explain expectations clearly, answer questions honestly, and help new hires feel confident and prepared from day one.
What’s a unique aspect of AlphaBEST’s culture that you try to share with candidates during the hiring process?
I’m very honest with candidates: this job is rewarding, but it’s not easy. It’s much more than supervising children. We’re helping shape young lives, and that responsibility matters.
I often talk about the importance of having a “Yes Mindset.” Problem-solving, building relationships, and finding creative ways to engage children are all essential parts of the job. You’re constantly interacting with different people and learning how to connect with them.
One of my favorite things about AlphaBEST is that it encourages you to have fun while making a difference. If you find yourself doing the same activities every week, challenge yourself to be innovative and make them your own. AlphaBEST is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, create, and positively impact children every day.
For someone considering joining AlphaBEST, what can they expect from the recruiting and interview experience?
Our managers conduct most of the interviews, and while every manager has their own style, we’re all looking for the same thing: a genuine interest in making a difference in children’s lives.
You can usually tell the difference between someone who is simply looking for a paycheck and someone who truly enjoys working with children. Passion and enthusiasm go a long way.
What’s one thing candidates can do to set themselves up for success during the application and interview process?
Managers and recruiters appreciate candidates who take the time to visit the AlphaBEST website and learn about the company before their interview. It shows initiative, preparation, and genuine interest in the role.
When candidates understand who we are and what we stand for, it often leads to more meaningful conversations during the interview process.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in building a career with AlphaBEST?
Speak up and advocate for your growth.
Don’t be afraid to let people know that you’re interested in new opportunities and additional responsibilities. I’m a big fan of initiatives like AB Pulse, our employee intranet, because they give employees opportunities to explore different areas of the organization and gain valuable experience.
Focus on excelling in the role you have today. Build your skills, gain experience, and continue learning. Those efforts can open doors to new opportunities and help you build a rewarding long-term career with AlphaBEST.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time with AlphaBEST that has stayed with you?
One story that has always stayed with me is about a student from my first site at Marumsco Hills Elementary.
We formed a strong bond, and after I transferred to another school, she surprised me with a visit to see me again. Then COVID happened, and I assumed we’d never reconnect.
Years later, a staff member told me someone was looking for me – it was that same student, now 17 and preparing to graduate high school. She told me I was still one of the most influential people in her life, which brought tears to my eyes.
The story came full circle when she applied for a job with AlphaBEST, and I was the recruiter who interviewed her. Although the position wasn’t the right fit, the experience was incredibly meaningful and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we can have on students.
Interested in Joining the AlphaBEST Team?
As a recruiter, Karen has a unique perspective on what makes someone successful at AlphaBEST. Beyond experience and qualifications, she looks for candidates who are genuinely passionate about working with children, eager to learn, and committed to making a positive impact every day. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for a flexible role, or hoping to grow within an organization that values development and internal advancement. As Karen’s own journey demonstrates, a role at AlphaBEST can be more than a job – it can be the beginning of a long and rewarding career.
Ready to explore opportunities with AlphaBEST? Visit our AlphaBEST.org/careers to learn more and apply today.
