00:00:00 – 00:00:06
 Host: So let's start by introducing yourself. So what is your name, role, and what inspired you to join Haven Wood?
Julien Knight: Oh, my name is Julien Knight. I am the English teacher here at Haven Wood. And what inspired me to take this position is that I love helping kids, teaching kids, and in an environment like this, every day, every class period matters. So it's awesome.

00:00:22 – 00:00:28
 Host: Okay. And if you could describe Haven Wood in one word, what would you use to describe it and why?
Julien Knight: I want to go with interesting. Just because every day is different, no days are the same. Some of the conversations, exciting times that you experience. One day I could be completely opposite the next day, so I just say interesting.

00:00:46 – 00:00:54
 Host: Okay. What does a Haven Wood day in the life look like for you?
Julien Knight: I get here an hour, hour and a half before the day starts, prepare, lesson plan or get all the materials I need, and just be as helpful and as collaborative team-oriented as I can be helping out, whether it’s the direct support staff, the team leaders, the parents—just being as involved as I can to make sure my coworkers and I have a solid day.

00:01:27 – 00:01:58
 Host: Can you share a moment that made you think this is why Haven Wood is different?
Julien Knight: My first full week working here, I was in my room early and just heard students scream bloody murder. I look up and see that a kid was just excited to see a staff member. I soon learned that as part of the morning routine, somebody will scream at the top of their lungs at some point in the morning.

00:02:12 – 00:02:21
 Host: What is something intentional that you do in your day-to-day that outsiders might never see?
Julien Knight: I’m intentional with my mood and the words that I choose. They pick up on everything. If you’re not feeling it one day, they can sense it quickly. When you’re feeling great, they can pick up on that too. Just being intentional with how I bring myself to them.

00:02:47 – 00:02:51
 Host: What is one skill or mindset that has helped you grow?
Julien Knight: Patience. Patience is a skill that’s helped me grow and succeed in this position.

00:03:30 – 00:04:01
 Host: What is your favorite Haven Wood tradition or inside joke?
Julien Knight: Favorite tradition is the song that they sing at graduation. The first time I was like, what are we doing? But the more graduations I’ve been to, the more impactful it is. It’s a reminder that once students leave, they have support. I love that tradition here.

00:04:19 – 00:04:54
 Host: If you had to create a movie title about your unit or department, what would that be?
Julien Knight: Secret Clowns. It’s an inside joke, but also a fun way of approaching the day. Everything we do is sacred. You can influence a young person or destroy their day with how you bring yourself.

00:05:01 – 00:05:07
 Host: What is something that someone should know before stepping into this work?
Julien Knight: Make sure your skin is thick. It’s a challenging environment.

00:05:10 – 00:05:18
 Host: What is one surprising fact about you?
Julien Knight: If I had another pick at a subject to teach, it would probably be social studies.

00:05:45 – 00:06:30
 Host: Do you have anything exciting on the horizon?
Julien Knight: Havenwood is expanding athletics and extracurricular activities for the 26–27 school year, including swim meets, theater, speech and debate, and e-sports. I’m excited to help coach and provide students with these opportunities.