Together We…Navigate Life’s Uncertainties
One iced café de olla, Doris Day singing in the background and a desire to support young minds is the combination needed to fuel powerhouse Site Program Manager for the San Gabriel Valley region, Brianna Hrisko. With seven years of experience under her belt, Brianna has created connections with students, led a team of 15 and become a leader for the Build the Bench program to help others exceed. Learn more about Brianna’s story and her coffee order below.
What is your Think Together “why?” What inspired you to work at Think Together and what continues to inspire your work here.
What initially drew me to Think Together was my deep love for working with children. The desire to be a teacher has always been a part of me and I love every moment I get to work with young minds. I still remember driving my little pink battery-powered jeep through the neighborhood, gathering other kids to join me in arts, crafts and activities. Working with kids has always been my passion.
However, what truly inspires me is the vital role I play in the lives of so many students. Growing up in a large and nurturing family—surrounded by supportive parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins—taught me the profound importance of community. My circle of encouragement grew even larger as I got older, with a loving church family and friends who were always there to uplift and motivate me throughout my life.
I recognize that not everyone is blessed with such a robust support system, and it is an honor for me to help fill that gap through my work at Think Together. I aspire to be a source of strength not just for my students, but also for their families and my colleagues. Parents entrust us with their children, believing wholeheartedly that we will care for them, support them, encourage them and ensure their safety. Being part of this critical support community for these kids truly brings me joy and serves as my greatest motivation.
Throughout my journey at Think Together, I have had the privilege of positively influencing both adults and children. I’ve tapped into my creativity to adapt, embrace growth opportunities and provide mentorship and coaching. This experience has unveiled skills and passions within me that I never even knew existed. It’s heartwarming to witness the transformation that takes place—not only in the lives of the students and families I work with but in my own as well.
What is the theme song to your life? Why?
Growing up, my grandmother lived with us, and she always sang to me. One song that has resonated deeply with me is “Que Sera, Sera,” performed by Doris Day. It starts with a little girl asking her mother what her future holds. The mother reassuringly replies, “Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see.” Whenever I find myself feeling stressed or anxious about what lies ahead or trapped in my own thoughts; I turn to this song. It reminds me that it’s natural to wonder if everything is going to go the way we planned, but we can’t spend our time worrying about things that are beyond our control. Life can be unpredictable; we can put in tremendous effort and plan every detail, yet sometimes things still don’t unfold as we hope. In those moments, I try to comfort myself with the understanding that “whatever will be, will be.” While there are certainly aspects of our lives we can influence, we must also accept that some things will remain outside of our control. It’s okay to feel this way—we’re all navigating life’s uncertainties together.
Is there a student story that has stuck with you?
I have had the privilege of working with many students who have greatly impacted my life, making it difficult to choose just one. However, one student stands out, as I was fortunate enough to have her in my program throughout her entire elementary school journey.
There was a day that sticks in my memory when I noticed something was off with her. She wasn’t her usual bubbly self, and as I took the time to talk with her and her mother, I learned that they were facing a heartbreaking situation. Their family was going to be separated from their father and husband for an extended period, leaving them with feelings of sadness, fear, and the hope that one day they would be reunited.
In that moment, I felt a deep sense of compassion for them. I made it my mission to check in on her daily, offering a listening ear and support. I reassured her mother that our program and staff were there to help, and to please let us know if there was anything we could do. My dedicated staff joined me in providing unwavering support to this family during those challenging two years of separation.
Then one day, the student rushed to me, bubbling over with excitement. “Guess what, guess what!” she exclaimed. Her joy was contagious as she revealed that her dad was finally coming home. The moment he arrived to pick her up from the program after their time apart was unforgettable. She ran to him, leaping into his arms, and I could feel the love and relief in that embrace.
Later in the year, her mother stopped by to thank me for all the support we had offered. She spoke of the comfort she had knowing that her daughter was safe, cared for, and happy during such a difficult time. It was incredibly touching to know that we could provide a sense of stability amidst their uncertainty.
Most heartwarming of all was when the student declared that she wanted to be just like me when she grew up, even announcing that one day she would come back to take my job. It reminded me that our presence and simple act of listening can make a world of difference in the lives of our students. I will carry that experience in my heart forever.
Why did you become involved in Build the Bench? What has been the best part of this experience for you?
As a Program Leader, I have completed the Build the Bench program twice and wholeheartedly believe in its power to unlock leadership potential and expand horizons for future roles. This program inspired my readiness to embrace my Site Program Manager (SPM) role. When I was offered the chance to serve as SGV’s Build the Bench Regional Lead this year, I embraced it with enthusiasm. It is a true honor to champion this remarkable development opportunity and to walk alongside the applicants as they embark on their journey toward becoming future SPMs and pursuing other roles.
Do you have a moment during your career at Think Together that has really made an impact on you?
Prior to working for Think Together, I worked in the retail business for many years. After being laid off, I decided to do something different and applied to my school district as a tutor. I loved helping and supporting students with homework. When Think Together was offered in my district in 2007, I applied and started my Think Together career at the Ontario Center School. One of my most impactful experiences at Think Together, was a visit to the Shalimar Learning Center with CEO Randy Barth to see where it all started. This visit brought back my past with my mom. I saw that this company’s roots were to support those families in need and that I was a part of the team that was carrying on that legacy. I was also inspired by Randy’s dream for the future of Think Together, which deepened my commitment to Think Together’s mission. Over the years, I have seen how Think Together is rapidly growing and throughout it all we keep support for students and families at the center of it all.
You have a staff of over a dozen; how do you stay connected and keep the team motivated?
I have a staff of 15 at my site, and building strong relationships is essential—far beyond just being everyday co-workers. Each person brings unique strengths, areas for growth and life experiences that enrich our environment. I invest time in getting to know them as individuals, not just employees.
I genuinely love my team and find joy in empowering them. Together, we celebrate birthdays and holidays, engage in fun challenges that motivate us, and support one another through tough times. My care for each member fosters a deep connection and drives us all toward our shared goals.
If another Thinker took a trip to your region, what is the one local spot (food/entertainment/park/shopping) you would take them to? Why?
I’ve been absolutely loving Mas Cafecito Coffee in Baldwin Park lately. It’s just a short drive from my school site, and I can’t get enough of their iced café de olla and abuelita latte—my favorites! If you’re in the area, treat yourself to some of their delicious coffee; you won’t regret it!
Outside of work, what do you do for fun?
When I’m not busy at work, I love hanging out with my family and friends! I get so much joy from baking delicious treats, cooking up great meals, diving into fun crafting projects, or getting lost in a good book. Every little moment brings a smile to my face! Oh, and I can’t forget my adorable pup, Mocha—she always brightens my day!
