Last week, we stopped by the GVR MS Raptor Den to get to know their awesome staff, and this week we’re heading next door to the GVR HS Raptor Den!
These incredible staff members are dedicated to empowering the GVR HS Raptors who learn in Center Programs. Meet Liz Cason, Matt Somsky, Danielle LaCroix, and Nick Wirth!
Liz Cason, Center Program Lead
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Part of the Job: Giggling with our amazing students
What brought you to this work: I have always enjoyed working with children and adolescents and believe that every student with a disability has the right to equitable education and respect.
Currently Reading: The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Center Program Highlights: "Affirmation Mondays" where our students choose an affirmation for the week or "How to" Thursdays
Funniest Student Moments in Class: Too many to count! Showing me made up dances or using "alexa" to answer class questions
Matt Somsky, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Favorite Part of the Job: Watching our students become independent. Neat to see two of our seniors vote for the first time!
Why Center Programs are Important: I believe we give our students an amazing chance to become who they want to be. To see our seniors grow from when they were freshman is mind blowing and to think I have a direct impact on that. I love creating the teacher-student relationship piece of it as well.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream
Center Program Highlights: Love meeting up with my seniors on Wednesdays. Being able to treat them to Wendy's is always fun!
Funniest Thing That Happened in Class Recently: When students are being silent for too long, I will play something obnoxious on youtube until they start talking. One student then said he was quitting only to realize his mom was behind him and told him, "uh, hell no! Sit your black #$% back down and start talking!"
Danielle LaCroix, CP Support Specialist
Favorite Part of the Job: Seeing the students embrace who they are and become the greatest that they can be.
What Brought You To This Work? I have always had a heart for individuals that seem to be left behind because of their short-comings and or conditions. Meeting a student where they are while they are young can bring an everlasting example of love which will allow a student to overcome any obstacle they may face even if it takes them longer.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Cotton Candy
Fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs: Allowing students to run a teaching lesson in our Life Skills group.
Funniest thing a student has done: When a student talks to me about their "boy issues" and tries to give me pointers.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
Nick Wirth, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
Favorite Part of the Job: Watching my students discuss current events with a deep understanding of social issues and inequality
Why is Special Education Important to You? I've always believed that education should center around supporting the whole child but that is usually not emphasized in gen-ed. I'm glad I found a program that does that.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Hershey's chocolate
Fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs: Making Origami butterflies
Funniest thing a student has done: One of our students told us he had "proposed" to his girlfriend and was going to take her on a date, I thought it was adorable
Favorite Vacation Spot: Misahualli, Ecuador
