MeLissa O’Brien, mother of three, is an office assistant at Bryan Elementary School. She said she loves the job because she has the same hours as her children. O’Brien took a few minutes to talk recently while she addressed envelopes at the front counter in the office at Bryan.

• Is there a story about the unusual spelling of your name?

My mother spelled it that way because she said “Me” means my and “Lissa” means child of God.

• Tell me about your family.

I have three kids. Hanna is 11 and she goes to North Jefferson Middle School. Olivia is 9 and Harrison is 6. They both go here to Bryan. My husband William works at Thompson Tractor in Tarrant.

• How long have you worked at Bryan?

This is my first year. Harrison and I started our first day together. It was a God thing, because I went from being a stay-at-home mom for 11 years to going back to work when my youngest one went to school. We both started school here the same day. My husband videoed us walking in the door together.

• What was it like to be a stay-at-home mom?

It was crazy, but it was very rewarding to be able to be with them. Just knowing I was the one there to take care of them and to be there for them and do the things a mom gets to do. I got to be a room mom and go on field trips. I also kept other kids in my home, mostly teachers’ kids.

• What all do you do in your job?

I answer the phones, do the honor rolls and report cards, handle student records, and I meet and greet everyone when they come in.

• What do you enjoy the most about working here?

I love being here with my kids and getting hugs from them throughout the day. I like the hours – when they’re off, I’m off. I also love the teachers and (principal) Mrs. Campbell. This is a great place to work.

• What do you do when you’re not at school?

I go to church at Gardendale First Baptist Church, where I sing in the choir. I’m also on the board of the Birmingham Children’s Choir, a girls choir for first-graders through 12th-graders. My daughter is in the choir. We perform all over.