Sierra Vista Principal Wendy Olono takes education at CCWF to a new level

It all began in the second grade. There was never a doubt. She would be a teacher. Just like Mrs. Courtney, who showed her how fantastic it is to learn. And learn Wendy Olono—now principal of the Central California Women’s Facility’s (CCWF) Sierra Vista Adult School—did.

Looking back, Olono remembers that all the students looked forward to Friday math, of all things, because Mrs. Courtney taught them in the context of a cooking lesson. She provided incentives for the faster-learning students to stay focused while the rest of the class caught up—by giving them craft projects “like latch kits where we used a hook, yarn and a plastic pattern to move the time and make designs.”

“This was a lot of fun. She sang to us all the time,” Olono said. “It didn’t feel like learning because she always made everything F-U-N.”

It was in her desire to learn that she knew she could teach. And after spending over 20 years in public schools, Olono—known as Mrs. “O” to most—has been the principal at Sierra Vista Adult School since May 2018. Of course, at first it was challenging to juggle different people from different spaces. Everyone from the people in blue to the people in green with a smattering of vibrancy from the educational staff make up the community she oversees. But Olono has never looked back with regret from that moment of decision to be a facilitator of knowledge. It means long days and some nights where there is still much to be done, yet she’s doing her all to make sure the Sierra Vista “Bobcats” under her charge do not lag behind.

Olono is a stylish lady, from her slight frame and hazel eyes to how she strikes those heels to get where she needs to be. She takes it all in stride as she walks the campus spreading smiles and lending an ear to those in need. She believes once the students see that the staff are there for their benefit, they’ll eventually come that to understanding they matter and that the school is there to help them achieve their best lives while at CCWF.

“We’re here to support the efforts of all who want what we have to offer,” Olono said.

Olono oversees several areas of CCWF’s educational umbrella including: construction technical education (CTE), college programming (Merced Community, Fresno State, Lassen, Coastline and Feather River), the CCWF library, the athletic department, and media specialist department. So, to say that she is a woman with many hats is not an understatement.

The daily grind for Olono brings innumerable perks. Watching students who were failed by the school system as children succeed in education here at CCWF is at the top of her list, alongside being an advocate for the women in the Office Correctional Education (OCE) to bring programming to fit the needs for the population. The drive to make a difference in the lives of incarcerated women brought her to CCWF.

Changing up the atmosphere for students has increased GED skills and leveled up CASAS testing. Developing “strong relationships within these walls” matters to her, and while she notes “our staff chooses to work here” makes it easy to find solutions, she credits to the cooperative work being done through the initiative and creative stylings of all involved.

When asked about the California Model (CM) and the implementation of new rules for greater reach, Olono said, “For the most part the staff already embodies the core values aligned with its mission. It is doable and we will be there to inspire our students.” She thinks the CM is a “great initiative – treating people like people.”

Many here are still unfamiliar with using educational tools like self-directed learning and motivational techniques to adapt to the rigors of justice-impacted residents. There can be struggles within a person that need to be addressed. And that is the goal of educators: To meet the need and press towards success. CCWF students are keeping her busy with their growth.

Understanding that knowledge is power keeps Olono pushing the envelope for her students. It is key to helping those who need someone to advocate for them. This is her mission, “to make the changes here so that the impact affects so many” once a student leaves CCWF.

However it adds up, Olono has shown the students and staff of Sierra Vista Adult School that she is here for the long haul. She cares enough to talk things out and make a difference.