Welcome back to Staff Spotlight, a monthly series celebrating the faculty and staff who shape the Port Chester School District.
This week, we’re featuring Mattie Gooden, Administrative Assistant to Port Chester High School Principal Luke Sotherden. With over 30 years of service, Mattie has left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and the entire community.
Can you share a little about your background and how you first joined the Port Chester School District?
Although I was born in South Carolina, my mother moved to Port Chester at 18 and built a life here. When I was four, she sent for my brother and me, and Port Chester became our new home. I was one of seven children, and all of us attended and graduated from Port Chester High School.
After getting married, I worked in New York for the A.C. Nielsen TV Rating Company. During that time, I had my first son, and three years later, my second. Balancing work and motherhood was challenging—I had to wake up at 5:00 AM, drop my children off at the babysitter by 6:30, and be on the subway by 6:50 to reach work by 8:00. After six years, the daily commute began taking a toll on me.
A friend gave me a Civil Service Newspaper—which was how job openings were published back then—but most positions were outside of Westchester. One day, one of my mother’s patients mentioned an opening for a secretary at Port Chester High School. At the time, there were two positions available—one at the high school and one at the middle school. I applied for the high school position, got the job, and have been here since July 1992.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Having small children initially led me to seek a job in education, but once I started working in the field, I grew to love the diversity of my role, the interactions with students and staff, and the sense of stability that comes with working in education.
Over the years, I’ve watched friends lose jobs due to company downsizing, relocations, and organizational changes, but I’ve been fortunate to remain in the same position for over 30 years.
How has your role evolved over the years?
I have served as the Secretary to the Principal, and my responsibilities have changed dramatically since I first started. When I began, I had to take dictation by hand or use a Dictaphone during meetings. Typing year-end evaluations required using a typewriter and three-ply carbon copies—if I made a mistake, I had to use white-out on all three sheets (white, yellow, and green).
I worked on a Macintosh Classic computer with a tiny 9-inch screen. We used rotary phones, and teachers relied on ditto machines filled with ink to make copies. Overhead projectors, chalkboards, and a switchboard operator were all part of daily life. There were only two telephones in the entire building, and vending machines lined the hallways.
Today, technology has revolutionized my work—I no longer strain my eyes on a tiny screen or spend hours taking dictation. Modern tools have made communication and workflow much more efficient.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to help others in a variety of ways. Whether I’m assisting students, faculty, parents, or vendors, I always strive to be a positive presence, offer solutions, and set a good example.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story that stands out in your career?
One moment that will always stay with me is when our first African American Valedictorian earned her title. She faced significant challenges and opposition, but she refused to let adversity stop her. Her perseverance paid off, and she rightfully received the honor and recognition she had worked so hard for.
Today, she is thriving in her field and holds a high-ranking position. We still keep in touch, and I continue to be inspired by her journey.
Can you share one fun fact about yourself or what you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with family, field ministry, meeting new people, walking in the woods, sitting by the beach, reading, dancing, and listening to music.
What quote or life mantra inspires you, and why?
"This too shall pass."
This phrase resonates deeply with me because we all go through difficult seasons in life—moments that bring us to our knees, making us question whether we’ll make it through. But with faith, determination, and endurance, we overcome those challenges. Each hardship that passes leaves me stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Date Added: 3/17/2025