Member Spotlight - Erin al'Denael
Author: Jahily al'Karee
Published: March 21, 2022 - Tar Valon Times Blog Link
For this month’s Member Spotlights, we highlight two long-time, very involved members who, together, are taking on the mantle of what was previously a single-person role — the Keeper of the Chronicles. This split of the role into two parts was announced by our Board of Directors in December 2021, in recognition that the time needed for each part of the job — operations and membership — have grown large enough to have their own Officer in charge. So the role of Cordamora (Old Tongue for “heart of the people”) was created as our Chief Membership Officer; while the role of Keeper remains the Chief Operating Officer. To see which departments fall under each Officer, please see our updated Org Chart, which was rolled out in January 2022.
For our first interview, we are highlighting our Keeper-Elect, Erin al'Denael. Erin joined TarValon.Net in 2002, and has served in a variety of roles in our community — including Editor-in-Chief of the TVT! Most recently, she was the Director of Community Outreach for almost two years. She said, “I’m the sort of person who is happiest when busy, and I’ve always volunteered wherever I am — the Tower, my job, the library.”
As for her new role as Keeper, Erin calls it her dream job. Her goals are to be active and present, and help all of her Directors and Departments be successful. “I love coordinating and overseeing projects, and I derive great satisfaction from helping others succeed with their own goals and objectives.”
Beyond that, she said that she hopes the Community will indulge her and go with it when inspirations strikes — i.e. Tar Bacon, the Great Charity Hunt, or the Forum Triad Olympiad, just to name a few of her creative endeavors.
Erin is indeed a busy person, outside of TarValon.Net too! She is a teacher by profession, and has taught ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) for nine years. She has taught elementary and middle grades students, and has been working with high school students for the past three years. In addition to teaching, she is a student herself, working toward a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with the goal of working in school administration.
Erin has one fur-child, her cat Jerry. She describes him as a “bit of a scaredy cat, [he] spends most of his days sleeping in my bed and his nights prowling through my apartment until a to-be-determined-by-him magical time to wake me up before my alarm goes off at 5AM. Cats, *sigh*.”
Erin’s other hobbies include a love of reading, sometimes using her personal days from work to stay home and read (great idea!!); online gaming, “I raid in WoW, play League, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Pokemon Arceus, Skyrim;” crocheting when she’s feeling crafty; and admits a fondness for planners and washi tape.
Many thanks, Erin for giving us a glimpse at your busy schedule, and all the best as you continue to take the reins of this vital role for our Community!
