Editor’s Note:

Deanna Roberts is in her seventh year facilitating a Synergistic Modules lab at Sagewood Middle School in Parker, Colorado.

When I started seven years ago, I was trained in six hours by the teacher that I replaced. After that whirlwind training, I had just five days before the students came! Even with 10 years teaching experience under my belt, I was very nervous to start my new venture. My trainer gone and 1-800-828-5787 written in my notes, my journey began.

My trainer had told me that customer service could help me with anything. In today’s world I found that not too comforting. Wow, was I wrong! Every time I called 1-800-828-5787, someone answered the phone and wanted to hear my problems. What a concept! Synergistic customer service made my first year bearable. I would like to say great, but the transition from teaching high school to middle school was a substantial change in pace for me.

During my first year, I found Synergistic customer service to be my right hand. They were more important than my local IT department. Not only did they keep my software and hardware up and running, but they helped answer any other lab questions or concerns that I had. Their moral support was awesome.

We all know how unpredictable and frustrating technology can be at times. Every single time I called, they made me feel valued, even the times that I asked the same question in the same day. They also guided me through the process of networking my lab – what to buy and how to set it up. I was now convinced that they could do anything, just like my trainer had said.

Through the years, Synergistic customer service didn’t just make my life bearable – they made it meaningful. I have an extended family in Kansas. We have developed great relationships. I appreciate how personable they are. I enjoyed meeting all of them at the Professional Development Seminar this past August.

This year, I tip my hat to Joel Howard and his staff. They have far exceeded my expectations. Rolling out the Synergy system hasn’t been easy, and they are still positive, focused, and dedicated to all of their facilitators. The e-mails that I have received thanking me for communicating problems have been greatly appreciated. Wow, what a team!