Teller Trainers are the backbone of retail banking, so in this issue of our eNewsletter, we are featuring Kristine Valk, AVP Training Director for Merchants Financial Group in Winona, Minnesota.

Kristine graduated with a degree in Secondary Social Science Education. Her goal was to teach high school history and the summer before school started, she started working as a part-time teller. “Within a year, I was one of the youngest Assistant Branch Managers and on a fast track. Then the company asked me if I would ever consider teaching for them. Long story short, I jumped at the opportunity and have been in training ever since.” Kristine is now working for Merchants Financial Group, Inc.; the second financial institution that Kristine built an Education and Training Department from scratch.

Kristine’s favorite part of her job is the people. Her grandmother and mother were both educators and very impressionable. “I feel that I have the best job in the world. Even though I am not teaching in a ‘school,’ growing the people in our business is so rewarding. Especially in banking: technology is changing rapidly, so many generations and learning styles…everyday is new and exciting!”

When asked what led Kristine to choose TellerSolution, she attributed her background in education. “I am big into Adult Learning and understand that we have so many different learning styles. Having an interactive program that was self-paced was key. What nailed our decision to go with TellerSolution was Connie. We have been with TRC since 2000 and the relationships that we have with them are what keeps us coming back. And, I really think TellerSolution is the best teller training program out there!”

Kristine has also found the engaged learning, easy use, reports, and overall functionality of TellerSolution to be helpful. “I believe it helps us ‘look’ good as a bank who is really serious about growing our people. Having training programs that are current reflect what type of business we are and how we value education: the one true investment no one can take away.”

In her free time, Kristine enjoys being with her husband and their five children. As a family, they love to fish and camp. Kristine has also taught herself to quilt, “but most of our time and weekends are spent watching basketball games! We love basketball!”