As the central office receptionist, Rasnake welcomes visitors, answers questions, connects callers with resources, and helps families navigate everything from student registration to the district website.

Now in her fifth school year with BTCS, Rasnake came to the district after working in the corporate world, including management and call center positions. She was ready for a change and looking for work that felt more meaningful.

"I really like to help people, and that was something that was missing in my previous job," Rasnake said. "I like to help people and help my community, and I feel like in this position, there are many opportunities to do that."

A Different Day Every Day

Ask Rasnake to describe a typical day at the Roundhouse, and she will tell you there really isn't one.

"I think that's what I like about the job," she said. "From any one day to the next, you never know what's going to happen."

For Rasnake, one of the most important parts of serving as the district's first point of contact is making sure people feel heard.

"People just want to be heard a lot of times," she said. "It's listening to them and what they're there for, being open and welcoming to them, and making them feel good."

Sometimes that means helping a parent understand how to register a child for school. Other times, it means helping someone navigate the district website or simply figuring out whom they need to speak with.

Rasnake frequently hears a caller begin with, "I'm not sure if I'm calling the right place."

Even if she isn't the right person, she will help find the person who is. Whenever possible, though, she tries to answer the question herself. If she encounters something she doesn't know, she sees it as an opportunity to learn so she will be prepared the next time.

More Than the Front Desk

Rasnake's responsibilities extend well beyond answering phones and greeting guests. As part of the district's business office, she processes funds received at the district level, including grants, donations, and tuition payments, and handles reports and deposits.

It's a behind-the-scenes role that may not always be visible, but Rasnake believes every role contributes to the district's work.

"Every position matters. Every role matters," she said. "Whether you're the teacher in the classroom or you're here behind the scenes, I just like being part of something bigger."

The Moments That Matter

For Rasnake, some of the most meaningful moments come from the relationships she builds with people through her work..

She has formed a friendship with a grandparent who regularly visits the district office.

"I listen to everything she has to say, and we've become friends," Rasnake said. "If I'm not at the front desk when she comes in, she will ask for me."

Rasnake has also enjoyed getting to know Viking Academy students who have worked at the Roundhouse. One former student worker later spotted her outside of work, remembered her immediately, and greeted her with a hug.

"I like feeling like I've made a difference in somebody's life," Rasnake said. "It can be something little, or it could be something big, but that feeling of helping people and doing something for others makes me feel good."

Books, Baseball, and Broadway

Those who know Rasnake as the welcoming presence at the Roundhouse might be surprised to learn that she considers herself an introvert.

"My place is in a comfy chair with a book and some music in the background," she said.

An avid reader, Rasnake is rarely without a book nearby. She and her husband are also big Atlanta Braves fans and try to attend several games each season. Recently, they've begun visiting a new ballpark each year, including a trip to Pittsburgh this season to see the Braves play.

Broadway musicals are also among her favorite things. She has seen Hamilton and Chicago on Broadway and recently attended a production of Rent, one of her favorite musicals.

At work, Rasnake finds inspiration in Penny Jenkins, executive assistant to the director of schools, whose ability to remain composed when things get hectic has made an impression.

"Even on the most stressful day, if I go to her, she stays cool and calm and handles everything that comes her way with grace," Rasnake said.

It's a quality Rasnake demonstrates in her own way each time the phone rings or the front door opens. For the person on the other end, it may be a quick question, a challenging problem, or their very first interaction with Bristol Tennessee City Schools.

For Rasnake, it's another opportunity to listen, to help, and to make someone feel welcome.