By Kathleen McAleese & Haley Verre

Staff Writers


Q: What prior teaching experience do you have?

A: Before teaching at WA, I was a General Ed./ Special Ed. teacher at the Crisafulli School, and before that I was a substitute teacher within the system.

Q: What college(s) did you attend? What did you major in?

A: I went to the University of Lowell and Middlesex. At the University of Lowell, I majored in psychology and at Middlesex I got my associates in legal secretariat studies.

Q: What dos your job at WA entail?

A: Numerous things. It depends on who I am with at the time. Sometimes I am with a group of students and sometimes I am with an individual and basically giving them academic support and sometimes emotional support.

Q: What has your WA experience been like so far? Why?

A: I love the staff, the kids are great. I have had no problems at all.

Q: How was your first day here?

A: I was a little nervous. It’s a big change from fourth graders to high schoolers. I didn’t know what to expect… I didn’t know what was expected of me.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I love this job a lot. But I think going home and feeling like it’s a very rewarding type of job.

Q: How do you feel about the high school age group? Have you ever taught another age group?

A: It’s funny, I thought it would be a lot different but they’re not. Fourth graders love to hug and you have to have your head constantly spinning just to keep track of them. High schoolers are a lot more mature, obviously, but I like to call them little kids in big bodies.

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of school? What are they?

A: Well, I’m a mother, I have five children. And I really love sports. I am a big Red Sox fan.

Q: Did you grow up in the Westford area? What is your favorite part about it?

A:  Yes, pretty much. I am a graduate of WA and I came back. I love the sense of community and how everyone is looking out for everyone else.