An Unwavering Team Approach.
Mary Cariola Special Education Teacher Alyssa Kamm is talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about leading a classroom. A 13-year veteran, and the 2020 Employee of the Year, Alyssa is a well-respected member of our school team who loves to provide her students and their families with the variety of educational experiences and clinical services offered at Mary Cariola.
Alyssa never expected to be on the receiving end of the same services she provides. The Mary Cariola teacher became a Mary Cariola parent.
Soon after she gave birth to her twins, Aria and Lincoln, Alyssa noticed ‘something was a little off’ with Lincoln’s vision. He was diagnosed with Norrie Disease, an inherited eye disorder that leads to blindness in male infants at birth or soon after. As Lincoln progressed through early intervention services and the time came to attend a preschool program, the decision was easy.
“There was undoubtedly no thought in my mind that he would go anywhere other than Mary Cariola” Alyssa said. “I wanted Lincoln to get a school experience. I wanted him to get all his needs in one place. He loves school.”
Lincoln, age 4, has made considerable progress on his physical therapy goals, using his belt cane to navigate his classroom and school hallways. He also receives vision, speech, occupational and music therapy from Cariola’s interprofessional team.
Alyssa is making strides too, maneuvering around a new world of resources that will help her as a parent and make her a better educator.
“As an educator you feel like you know so much, and I have found that even though I work here, there is so much I don't know. Our therapists are great, Alyssa said. “They have helped me and given me great ideas I can use at home AND in my classroom.”
Mary Cariola’s unwavering team approach to student success continues to provide families with hope. And your support is instrumental in our success.
Your gift allows our staff to learn innovative technologies and strategies, especially in ever changing fields like vision therapy, behavior management, and assistive communications. Your support allows us to purchase unique equipment for individuals with highly specialized needs. Your support provides our families, like Alyssa and Lincoln, with confidence, knowing their child is engaged, learning and their needs are being met.
Can we count on your support once again?
