Sylvia Ackel
Head Start – Preschool (Pinedale)
Teacher Director

First Job: Head Start wasn’t my first job, but it’s where I’ve worked most of my life. I started as a teacher assistant at Highway City Head Start.

Birthplace: Fresno

Years at FCEOC: 30

Best advice ever received: From a friend and supervisor that has passed; to be aware that what you see is not necessarily what you get.

Favorite restaurant, dish, or pig-out food: Outback Steakhouse – rib eye steak!

Proudest moment: Giving birth to my son Brandon, my only child

Best vacation I’ve taken/dream vacation: Probably touring Napa Valley, Sausalito, and into San Francisco

Favorite weekend activity: Going to the movies or staying home watching football on Sundays.

Last good movie I saw: American Gangster

Scariest experience: Auto accident when I was about 20 years old

If I had a million dollars I would… retire, relax, and travel with close friends.

Favorite place to shop: Steinmart

Favorite childhood memory: Getting together on Sundays at my grandparents with cousins, aunts, and uncles, and having dinner

Words that describe me best: outgoing, competitive, easy to get along with, honest

I like to watch: sports, CSI, Lost, Desperate Housewives, and soaps when I have time

In my spare time… I like to relax, spend time with friends and family, and like to watch my grandkids participate in sports activities

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is… That having faith and family in our daily lives is of utmost importance