On Monday, Center Programs across the network returned to in-person learning and welcomed back so many happy students. Center Programs are particularly special thanks to the amazing staff that work tirelessly to help students thrive, even with our challenging Covid realities. We’ll be highlighting the incredible Center Program staff across the network over the next few weeks, and this week we are kicking it off with the valiant staff of the Montview Middle School Knight’s Castle!
Meet the staff members who make every day special for the Montview MS Knights who learn in Center Programs: David Coons, Colleen Gaffney, Quentin Thomas, Gabby Gilder, and Claudia Norton
David Coons, Center Program Lead
Hometown: Bloomington, IN
Favorite Part of Job: Creating relationships and shared positive experiences all while learning about the world and community around us.
What Brought You Here? I started out as a Social Studies Teacher but I could not find a job. Then I was a paraeducator for three years in a self contained SPED classroom. I was then offered an ABA job in Denver and took it as a chance to learn more about SPED and as an opportunity to take a break from working in a school. I then worked at several day programs and group homes for adults with disabilities. I quickly fell in love with this field of education and then sought my Masters in SPED from MSU.
Fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs? Making Thanksgiving placemats for the kids
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Sour Candy
Favorite Vacation Spot: Pagosa Springs, CO. I go camping there every June.
Colleen Gaffney, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Favorite Part of the Job: Interacting with our students, forming bonds with them, and seeing their academic and social-emotional growth.
What Brought You To This Work: I got my undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation and psychology. I started out working in a day hab for adults with disabilities. I really connected with this population and my passion and love for this career path grew more and more. I love being a voice in advocating for them, and helping them achieve their goals.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: I got really into baking at the beginning of quarantine and one of my favorite things to bake was banana bread.
Self-Care Practices of Choice: Mindfulness meditation, going on walks/hikes, and reserving time for myself.
Favorite Quarantine Activity: Either spending time in the mountains, or wedding planning!
Quentin Thomas, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Queens, New York
Favorite Part of the Job: Connecting with our population of kiddos... Watching their development and growth, brings me joy
What Brought You To This Work: I attended a few center based learning programs as a young child. Having learning development issues myself from being born premature, the educators that helped my parents understand how necessary it was to my growth have always left a lasting impression in my heart as well as my personal growth.
Funniest Thing a Student Has Said: One of our kiddos telling someone to "go s*** on a cat" Everyone involved laughed hilariously.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Yerba Mate (mint)
Quarantine Activity of Choice: learning to play a harmonica and learning PROCREAT (digital art program)
Gabby Gilder, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: Creating relationships with the students and watching them grow
Why are Center Programs important to you? I have been working with this population of kiddos since I graduated college 4 years ago and it is truly my passion.
What’s a fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs? Cooking class
Currently Watching: The Bachelor and YOU on Netflix
Self-Care Practices of Choice: Going outside, reading, and connecting with loved ones
Claudia Norton, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Northern Colorado
Favorite Part of the Job: I love being able to teach our kids new things and the bonds you create in the process.
What Brought You To This Work?: My kids also have special needs and it gave me the opportunity to help others, and how to work with my own kids.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Ice Cream
Currently Watching: 911
Favorite Quarantine Activity: Taking Walks