Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Peppers

*Early Childhood Center Secretary*

By: BHS Staff Profiles 

October 31, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Mary Peppers. This is currently her third year in the Brooklyn City School District. She is the head building secretary at the Brooklyn Early Childhood Center. Previously, she was the Pupil Services Secretary for two years. Outside of Brooklyn, she has been a secretary in various locations. Some things Mrs. Peppers likes to do in her free time include spending time with family, traveling, cooking and baking, crocheting, and making crafts for people, including Christmas ornaments. A fun fact about her is that she loves fun facts, and she has a chalkboard that she writes on with different fun facts.

Q: What made you choose this career path?

A: “I kind of have my hands in a little bit of everything. I feel like secretaries are sort of the ‘backbone’ of everything. They always know what is going on and help out in every aspect.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working in Brooklyn?

A: “The community. I grew up in Cleveland, so being in Brooklyn sort of feels like a small town to me. I like the fact that I am raising my kids here, and the small-town feel makes it feel refreshing in a way.”

Q: How do you inspire your colleagues?

A: “I always tell people that we spend so much time working and being at work that it should be fun. I try to find little things to keep work fun. I bring in treats for people, and it makes it all a little better.”

Q: If you could change one thing about our school district, what would it be?

A: “If I could change anything, I would honestly have to say to add more snow days!”

Q: What is something from your childhood that has stuck with you?

A: “My parents’ work ethic really inspired me into the person I am today. My parents worked so hard to provide for the family, even when they were stressed, and I view this as a beautiful thing.”

Q: If you could do something over again, what would you do?

A: “When I was young, I had a lot of anxiety. My anxiety got in the way a lot, making me lose opportunities. I would like to go back and tell my younger self that it will be okay, and I do not need to be scared to make decisions or try new things.”

Q: Describe your family.

A: “I have three absolutely wild kids. They can be a bit chaotic, but they are so much fun. I love them.”

Q: How do you plan to celebrate Halloween?

A: “All three of my kids have plans, but I plan to just relax and give out candy to trick-or-treaters.”

Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Peppers. Have a wonderful year, and Happy Halloween!