Regina Handson says 27 years ago she had a premonition that she would be working at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. She drove by the North Building with a friend, telling her, “I’m going to work there.” Now she’s planning her retirement.

It wasn’t long after being hired that Handson started in the special education department as a teacher’s aide. For 15 years, she gave her assistance and love working one-to-one with students.

“I would say to them ‘You’re my blessing. Without you, I won’t be here,’” Handson said.

Students were usually shocked by her reaction, but she says she prayed to God to give her strength to work with her students. About 12 years ago, Handson transferred positions. Today she is a dean’s assistant dealing mostly with discipline and attendance issues. Again, she says she extends a helping hand with love.

“You don’t know what some of them are dealing with,” she said.

Her kindness has earned her a reputation as someone kids can talk to. They’ve given her the nickname Mama H.

“They have peace and love, and know they have someone they can feel comfortable with,” she said.

“From the time I was young, kids just gravitated to me. … My pastor said, ‘That’s your gift.’ I love children, I’m a teacher at church. I’m just always around children, like a magnet. It’s not only my gift but my passion,” Handson said.

“I’ve had the opportunity and the pleasure and the joy of seeing generations come and remember me in a good way,” she said. “They tell their kids, ‘Go look for Mama H.’”

As the weeks count down, Handson reflects on her tenure as an H-F employee.

“I did make a difference, and I made it out of love.”

Handson officially retires in late September. She said she decided to stay on to help her replacement learn the system and all that her role as dean’s assistant entails.