(This is the first in a series highlighting the many family members who work at Mary Cariola Center.)
At Mary Cariola Center, one could say we are a family of compassionate, dedicated staff who work together to provide exemplary services for our students and residents. However, some of our staff can actually say they are family. This month we are featuring four staff who call Cariola their second home.
Diego I and Diego II
Diego Pagan I started working at the Bailey Road Residence in 2005. Diego had lots of fun working with the Boys of that time until he decided to move to the Elmwood School Campus and try the classroom. He has great memories of past and current students. Though he has transitioned to a Facility Coordinator position and is no longer in the classroom, students always stop by his office to say hello. Diego’s 17th work anniversary was celebrated in October, and he currently works at our East Avenue Campus. “I love this place and I’m grateful for the work I do,” Diego I said
Diego Pagan II began his journey at Cariola 11 years ago when his father encouraged him to apply to become a Teacher Aide. He enjoyed his time in the classroom, and in 2016 took the opportunity to become a Facility Coordinator. From delivering classroom supplies to making sure our students go home safe and on time, Diego enjoys ensuring staff and students are taken care of every day. Diego chose to work at Cariola because of the great co-workers, and watching the students learn, grow, and achieve great things. He is currently at our East Henrietta Campus and says, “In the end, it’s all about the kids!”
Stacy and Emilie
Stacy Bean works at our Elmwood Campus in the School Age department as a Teacher Assistant. She is currently working on her degree to become a teacher for children with special needs, thanks to the scholarship support she is receiving from Cariola’s “Growing Our Own” program. She has worked with children all her life; and when the opportunity came that allowed her to work at Mary Cariola, she jumped at it. Stacy is in her 26th year working at Mary Cariola Center. Stacy says, “I love what I do, and this is why I stayed.”
Emilie Bean works in our Preschool program at our Elmwood campus as a Teacher Aide. She chose to work at Mary Cariola because she loves working with kids and wanted to experience how our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn and grow at school. Emilie started at Cariola this year.
