Here from the very start, Tajalli Horvat has helped Galileo Learning blossom from a single camp in Palo Alto into a greater philosophy of “Growing up Galileo” by inspiring creativity and encouraging leadership. Tajalli oversees the field, leading the Area Director Team and managing camp operations. She’s also a new mom! Read on to learn more about Tajalli as she answers a few questions.
What is your role at Galileo? I am the Vice President of Field Operations. This means that I manage the Area Director Team who is responsible for managing 4-6 camps year round. I also spend a lot of my time coordinating with different departments in our company to ensure that we are ready to run outstanding camps.
How long have you been with Galileo? This is my 9th season at Galileo! I started full-time in summer 2002, while we were running our first Camp Galileo in Palo Alto.
Why did you choose to work at Galileo? I was the first full-time employee that Glen hired and was so excited about his vision for what he wanted to create. I had a lot of trust in Glen and confidence that we would do something great beyond our imagination. Even though Galileo has grown in a lot of ways, everything we do still supports our mission, and the quality of our programs keeps getting better and better. I am so grateful for the rewarding and important work that I get to do each day. In addition to the work we get to do with kids, I especially love helping support our staff grow personally and professionally.
Has working at Galileo changed your outlook on education? It has been really eye opening to learn how important it is to provide kids with opportunities to learn in a safe and fun environment that allows for creativity. I have also really learned that no matter how rich your curriculum is, it’s the staff that really make the difference and make it fun and engaging for kids. As a new parent of a one year old, I am committed to finding ways for my son to grow up Galileo.
If you could pick one 2010 theme or major in which to participate, which would it be? This is so hard to pick only one! I think I’d go with major Fashion Design minoring in Kitchen Chemistry and Hip Hop Dance. They combine my love and passion for creativity, food, and dance.
Did you attend camp as a kid? If so, do you have any memories? I spent most of my childhood growing up in South Africa and I don’t really remember there being summer camps available. I have a lot of memories playing outdoors with friends. Once we moved back to the U.S. I went to an overnight canoe camp and a theater arts camp that I loved. I have vivid memories of several talent shows and a final performance of the Wizard of Oz.
When you were very young, what did you want to be when you grew up? Starting in middle school and high school, I often dreamt about being a professional dancer and specifically wanting to dance on tour with Janet Jackson and Madonna. I loved their music and dance choreography. A lot of my own choreography was heavily influenced by them.
What would you name your very own rubber chicken? I love this question! Milo
What is the most outdoorsy or adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Canoeing in Boundary Waters.
