For more than three decades, Rodlyn dedicated her life to the classroom. A native of the Mon Valley who eventually found her “forever home” in Pleasant Hills, her career as a teacher and librarian in the Penn Hills School District was defined by one thing: relationships.
“I was there so long that I eventually had the children of students I’d once taught in third grade,” Rodlyn laughs. “It was an amazing experience to build that kind of trust.”
However, after 30-plus years in public and private education, Rodlyn found herself looking for a new way to apply her skills. What she found at SHIM wasn’t just a job—it was a calling that transformed her perspective on community service.
A Natural Transition
Rodlyn originally joined SHIM as a Family Development Specialist (FDS). Having spent years in schools, she had witnessed a growing trend of children entering kindergarten without basic preparation—unable to distinguish numbers from letters or unfamiliar with simple nursery rhymes.
“I saw the FDS role as an exceptional way to use my skills, step out of traditional education, and still have a massive impact,” she says.
In her role, Rodlyn conducted home visits, primarily working with immigrant and refugee families, including many from Nepal. She quickly learned that working in a home is vastly different from working in a classroom. In the home, she wasn’t just a teacher; she was a partner, a confidante, and a bridge to the community. Whether she was tailoring activities to a child’s obsession with trucks or helping parents navigate the complexities of an IEP or the healthcare system, Rodlyn became an extension of the families she served.
A New Chapter: Engagement and Outreach
Recently, Rodlyn transitioned into a new role at SHIM: Family and Community Engagement Specialist. While she loved the intimacy of home visits, her natural affinity for organizing events and her desire to reach even more people made the change a perfect fit.
“I like to be busy,” Rodlyn says. “I love planning events like our Saturday story times and Fall Fest. My goal is to create spaces where families can not only learn but make friends and build their own support systems.”
In her new capacity, Rodlyn is focused on “amping up” SHIM’s outreach. She is passionate about finding families in West Mifflin and the surrounding South Hills who may not yet know about SHIM’s programs. She is also working to restart the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and launch new playgroups to fill the gaps left by local funding cuts.
A Family Affair
Rodlyn’s passion for SHIM has been contagious. Her daughter, Addison, heard stories about the families Rodlyn served and the fulfillment she found in her work. Inspired by her mother’s experience, Addison recently joined the SHIM team herself, working as an Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) specialist.
“We are in different departments, but in the same office,” Rodlyn says. “It’s wonderful to see her embrace this community too. She loves the different cultural backgrounds and the mission just as much as I do.”
The Power of Appreciation
When asked what surprised her most about joining SHIM, Rodlyn doesn’t hesitate: “The appreciation.”
Coming from a long career in a challenging school district, Rodlyn was used to hard work, but she wasn’t always used to the overwhelming gratitude she receives now.
“The families at SHIM really want what is best for their kids. They are so welcoming—they invite me to family events, they make food for me. They will do whatever they have to do to overcome obstacles, and they are so grateful for my support.”
For Rodlyn, the transition from the school year calendar to year-round community work has been effortless.
“I don’t even mind not having summers off,” she admits. “I love the people I work with, and I love these families. It’s so fulfilling that it doesn’t even phase me. I thought I would enjoy the job, but I never thought I’d love it this much.”
As she looks forward to the coming months, Rodlyn remains focused on her “families”—those she has served for years and the new ones she has yet to meet. To her, they aren’t just clients; they are the heart of the South Hills.
