Yeni Carrillo-Salguero Celebrates 15 Years of Making A Difference

Yeni’s Journey Over 15 Years at High Road School

Since the High Road School of Hartford opened 15 years ago, Yeni Carrillo-Salguero has worked as an integral member of the team. Working as an administrative assistant, she has helped shape the school’s culture, programs and daily operations. And through every transition, Carrillo-Salguero has remained committed to one goal: making a difference in students’ lives.

Before joining High Road, Carrillo-Salguero worked in the food service industry. Her natural leadership and ability to manage demanding moments with calm and clarity caught the attention of a SESI regional vice president, who recognized her potential for a career in education. This set her on a new career path where she could directly impact students.

“When you work with this student population, you’re here because you want to make a difference,” she said.

Carrillo-Salguero values the diversity of the High Road school community. “One of the many things I enjoy about working with the students and staff here is meeting people with different cultures, ethnicities and personalities,” she said. “Everyone brings something different to the table.”

A native Spanish speaker, she takes pride in providing bilingual support for families in meaningful ways. This includes helping social workers communicate with parents and ensuring students receive the resources they need.

Career Growth and Mentorship at High Road School

Mentorship has also been instrumental to Carrillo-Salguero’s professional development and she appreciates her colleagues for supporting her growth over the years. “Yeni is truly exceptional,” said Karen Graham, LMSW, operations manager at High Road School of Hartford High School. “She is always willing to step in and help in any way she’s needed, and her dedication to the success of both our students and our staff is evident in everything she does. She holds others accountable and consistently sets high expectations, which has strengthened our school community.”

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

While Carrillo-Salguero reflects on her years at High Road, she also keeps her eyes on a longtime goal still on the horizon: becoming an educator herself. She strives to show students that adults are human too. Known as a strict rule-follower, she recalls a field trip to Chili’s where students lit up when they saw another side of her, joking, smiling, and simply being herself. “Just like our kids, we all go through challenges,” she said. “They see us as perfect, but we’re not. Life continues, and it’s our job to help them navigate it.”

Building Trust and Community With Students

Over the years, she has learned important lessons about resilience and personal growth: “You can’t let the negativity of others get inside you. We tell the kids not to let others affect them – and we have to practice that too. You have to focus on yourself to achieve your goals.”