English Teacher

When I think about what influenced me to choose my profession, I think about the many educators I have encountered that in some way, large or small, made a difference in my life. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Landolphi at School No. 14, who instilled in me a love of poetry when she showed us how to understand Walt Whitman’s “O Captain, My Captain”, in eighth grade at Hamilton it was my English teacher, Mrs. Garelick when she took our class to see Frank Langella in Dracula and began my love for Broadway shows. High school brought so many others, Mr. Young, Mr. Meltzer, Mrs. Korn, Ms. Stock, and Mr. Szeles. They all helped me realize that we really can be whatever we want no matter what our background. From that time, I wanted to be a teacher, but life had other plans and my path was altered.
Years later I became a board of education member in my own town and have always been a staunch supporter of our teachers and staff and the amazing things they do to create a positive learning environment for all. This reawakened my desire to do the same and I returned to college to finish my teaching degree. Long story short, I wanted to provide the encouragement to achieve to my students the way my teachers did for me, and I strive to live up to my memory of them.

My personal feelings and beliefs about teaching can best be summed up in the words of Dan Rather who said, “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called “truth.”
It was because I had teachers who believed in me that I am here today, and I want to be “that teacher” for my students now. So many of my students are struggling with many things and I don’t want their education to be part of that struggle. I try to provide encouragement to all and make learning fun where I can. I believe that if your students feel that you truly care about them as a person, they will push themselves to live up to the expectations you set, but more importantly they will set those high expectations for themselves. My students know they can come to me with any difficulty they may be facing, whether academic or personal, and we will work through it together.

As a teacher, I am constantly learning, not just through professional development, but from my students as well. Being open to new things and using that knowledge to push my students to be their best selves is a big part of my teaching style. By sharing my life lessons with them, I hope to open their eyes to the possibilities their own lives possess and help them realize their own dream.

School Counselor

I became a school counselor because I have a strong passion and empathy for students who need social and emotional support. Seeing students struggle made me realize how important it is for them to have someone to listen and guide them. Helping students through their challenges gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I believe every student deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported, and I want to be there for them when they need encouragement. Being able to offer guidance and help students build confidence and resilience is what drives me. I want to make a difference in their lives by being someone they can trust and rely on. For me, being a school counselor is not just a job, it’s a calling. It gives me the opportunity to support students and help them grow, both emotionally and socially, so they can reach their full potential.

An exceptional counselor plays a vital role in guiding students socially, emotionally, and academically, fostering their growth and success. They provide a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard and understood, helping them navigate personal challenges, build resilience, and develop strong interpersonal skills. Emotionally, a great counselor offers guidance in managing stress, coping with setbacks, and cultivating self-confidence, ensuring students have the emotional well-being to thrive. Academically, they assist in goal setting, course selection, and college or career planning, tailoring their support to each student’s strengths and aspirations. By offering compassionate guidance, problem-solving strategies, and encouragement, an exceptional counselor empowers students to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.