- College
of Saint Rose, Class of 1996, BA Spanish
- Central
Connecticut State University, Class of 2005, MS Special Education
Hey everyone! I am currently a
resident of New Britain, where I have stayed since my master's graduation
from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in 2005. I
discovered FOCUS through discussions with Andy Cables, who has been
working at FOCUS the past five years. He gave me a good overall
impression of the environment there and piqued an interest I had in using
my Special Education expertise and putting it to good use. I really
enjoy working with the children and staff that I have met, and find that I
am able to utilize my knowledge that I gained in college and other jobs to
enlighten other peoples' lives. Prior to coming to FOCUS, I had
worked a variety of jobs such as a substitute teacher for the Plainville,
Wethersfield, New Britain, and South Windsor school districts. I
still tutor privately as well, and for a group called Futures, where I
work with a population with learning disabilities. At FOCUS, I am
able to work with students on the autism spectrum. I feel like I am
able to use my graduate degree effectively by seeing firsthand how
student on the spectrum operate. As a fellow "Aspie", I do have some
idea of their trials and tribulations, as well as their joys and
creativity. It brings a real sense of fulfillment to my life to feel
needed as I do at FOCUS.
In addition to being a
paraprofessional to single student, I also work alongside Chris and Beth
in the academic arena. It is challenging but a rewarding endeavor,
as you watch children grow both academically and socially. As part
of academia, I have been teaching Spanish to an eager and bright high
school student. My undergraduate education consisted of earning my
B.A. in 1996 from the College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY). I spent my
junior year, fall semester studying at the University of Valencia
(Spain). I hope that my current and future students have similar
opportunities to experience foreign language instructions at FOCUS in the
future, if I am able to do so. This is a great and very vibrant
place.
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