Cultivating cleanliness and harvesting hospitality, the Housekeeping team at the Folk School works behind the scenes to make each session seamless. Studios are reset, linens are cleaned, and rooms are returned to a sense of calm before new guests arrive. Week after week, a dedicated team of eight moves through campus with care, ensuring each guest feels welcomed. 

Maintaining and organizing this operation is Housekeeping Supervisor Connie Britt, who has been a part of the Folk School team for nearly 8 years. Often found inventorying linens and responding to work orders, her primary responsibility on campus is making folks feel cared for, even if their paths never cross.  

“My team puts 100% in, all the time every day,” Britt said. “All my girls do good. They say I set high standards and I do, because years ago I had high standards set for me.” 

Tucked behind a grove of trees just past the Quilting Studio is the distant drumming of a trio of industrial washing machines guarded by rows of Folk School vehicles. Upon entering the laundry space, one is greeted by a botanical mural of fungi and a fluttering butterfly, paired with the smiling faces of the Folk School’s housekeeping staff.  

“They have one of the hardest jobs on campus, but they do it with a smile,” Britt said. “I think it’s the unity of the team. I was once where they are, so I realize as a supervisor how they feel.” 

Decorated in tie-dye with hair tied back, the team is always prepared. Housekeeping Crew Chief Alissa Eller is among them. Eller was the youngest team member when she began her career at the Folk school nearly 5 years ago, endearingly nicknamed “Bit,” by her coworkers.  

“We clean houses, we all do it together. So that’s very helpful, because when you have 12 houses and 17 studios, you’ve got to really have time management as well as being organized,” Eller said, “A lot of us, no matter how physical it is, we’re still able to look at each other and crack a joke. That definitely makes it worthwhile.” 

Team members Kelly Navarro and Kristina Mincey work hard preparing for their shift, always adhering to their handwritten task plan. Each day, they show up with compassion and dedication, working together to accomplish their goals.  

“We make it feel like home away from home,” Navarro said. 

They operate in tandem, following the familiar rhythm of their daily tasks. Each building on campus is delicately cared for with the gentle sweeping of a broom and the dirt-vanishing dampness of a mop. In Keith House, the sweet citrus smell of citronella wafts from the shining wooden floors after they’re swabbed with Murphy’s Oil Soap. 

“Everybody’s personality really works together. It’s like a lot of us say, it’s our safe place besides home,” Eller said. “I would I think this is one of my all-time favorite jobs I’ve ever had, honestly.” 

When classes are dismissed, it’s time to flip rooms. The housekeepers load up a Ford Ranger, transporting linens from the 12 houses on campus to be properly cleaned and redistributed. Large bins labeled “Queen” and “Twin” decorate the floor under an indigo-dyed tapestry. Along the wall, housed on a large shelf, are rows of delicately folded linens, lovingly bound with seasonal bows. 

“We come in, we have to do 17 studios. They break for just a few minutes, then at 9 o’clock on the dot, they start at housing. On Saturday, we hit six houses, and that leaves us five for Sunday,” Britt said. “Mill House has seven rooms, Orchard House is five, the only little ones you have are three to four bedrooms. Cottage is also five, up and down.” 

Britt and the Housekeeping team are organized, hardworking, and compassionate, sometimes working shorthanded, rain or shine. On weekends, when offices are vacant and the valley is quiet, they are on-campus ensuring each building is lovingly cleansed.  

“Connie’s a great supervisor; she hears what we say,” Eller said. “I mean, she’ll go and bring us in a basket of candy or make us an apple pie or something, she tries to really make sure we feel good.” 

In their office, colorful postcards and handwritten thank-you notes adorn the wall as tangible symbols of gratitude. Students, visitors, and even band members acknowledge their appreciation alongside crayon-scribbled coloring sheets. 

“I try to create the love for the school. I think it comes off me. They see how much I love it and want it right, so they strive to do so good,” Britt said. 

Long after studios are empty and the lights are dim, the work of the housekeeping team lingers in the details. Their labor may unfold quietly, but its impact is felt by everyone on campus. Through care and kindness, the housekeeping team transforms spaces into havens of hospitality, reminding guests home is not just where you stay, but where you belong.  

“That’s my thing: I love it. It truly comes from my heart. I want the guests to be welcomed, and I want them to come in and feel at home.” Britt said