Sandy Tripus joins Villager staff

Upon entering the Villager newspaper’s office, customers may recognize a very familiar face from within the community... Sandy Tripus. A mother of two, Sandy, like most mothers, is constantly trying to balance her family’s forever changing schedules with her own. Although at times it can become a very difficult task, Sandy seems to manage quite well.

Originally born in Queens, NY, Sandy moved to El Salvador (in Central America) with her parents, Grace and Hugo Siguenza, at the age of six. Her father, who was born in El Salvador, decided to move back to Central America to start a business.

After living in El Salvador for seven years, her family decided to move back to the states in order to escape the violence surrounding El Salvador’s Civil War, which lasted for 13 years, 1979-1992.

Once back in the states, Sandy’s family relocated to East Rutherford, NJ. While in New Jersey, Sandy graduated from Becton Regional High School and began attending classes at Seton Hall University. A pre-med major in biology, she decided to transfer to Marywood University to pursue a degree in social work. At the time, Seton Hall did not offer a social work program.

After graduating with a bachelor’s in social work, Sandy moved to Big Bass Lake in Gouldsboro in 1986. She said, “My parents built a house in Big Bass in 1985. My mother was given that land as a gift, and instead of renting in New Jersey, they decided to just build up here.” Although Sandy no longer lives in Big Bass, her parents are currently in the process of selling that property.

Today, Sandy currently resides in Spring Brook Twp. along with her husband, Lester, of 19 years, and their two daughters, Miranda, 15, a sophomore at North Pocono High School and Marissa, 10, a fifth grade student at North Pocono Intermediate.

Previously employed at the Friendship House in Scranton, Sandy held several positions including summer counselor, residential counselor, therapeutic support staff and an outpatient case worker. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she also worked as a translator.

After a 14-year stint at the Friendship House, 1991-2005, Sandy’s mother died causing her to throw in the towel. Since her mother was one of two caretakers for her children, her mother-in-law was the other caretaker, she said, “I didn’t want to place all that burden on my mother-in-law so I left. It was at that time I assumed my mother’s role in business management for my dad’s company in New York, Spectrum Vision Center.”

Sandy continued to work in this position for approximately four years. In addition, she began working part-time at Beriyo by TCBY at the Shoppes at Montage.

Always trying to stay involved in the North Pocono community, Sandy was “referred by a friend to apply for the position” at the Villager. On May 10, Sandy Tripus joined the Villager staff as our Office Manager.

She said, “The thing I’ve probably enjoyed most is just knowing what’s going on in the community. I didn’t realize the community had so much to offer and it’s really broadened my horizons on that.”

Some of Sandy’s hobbies include gardening, photography and cooking. A free thinker willing to express her opinion, Sandy has a great sense of humor and is always ready to let you have it... nobody’s off limits.

Due to Sandy’s community involvement, she has proven to be a vital asset to the paper. Her office nickname is Mayor Tripus simply because it seems like each time someone calls and visits the office... she knows them.

Also heavily involved in her children’s extracurricular activities, Sandy has coached soccer at a variety of levels for the last three years; she is a former board member for NP Dandylion Little League (NPDLL) -- although she’s debating on whether or not she wants to run for another term; she’s a NP Band Parent member; and she’s has been involved with the Girl Scouts for 10 years, acting as Troop Leader for the Brownie, Junior and Cadet Troops.

In addition, her husband Lester is the softball commissioner for NPDLL.
Proclaiming she loves her job, Sandy’s favorite part are the flexible hours. “I love the ability to be a mom and have a job. Being able to work around my kids schedules is probably the best thing about the job for me.”

When asked to name something our readers may not know about her, Sandy said, “My intent was never to stay in the area. My intent was to get my degree and move back to New Jersey. But I decided to stay after I met and married Lester.”

Now that she’s here we hope she stays for good.