Carly Vandegriff - Speech Language Pathologist

Carly Vandegriff - Speech Language Pathologist

“I started work at Mary Cariola with a summer job at 18 and never left.   While working in the Mary Cariola residences, I completed a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and now serve as a therapist in the Preschool program for our youngest learners. 

I live for the excitement and joy the moment one of my students communicates a want or need independently and functionally for the first time.  Working at Mary Cariola is not about only teaching the students but also about learning and growing together to build a beautiful future.”

 

 

Robert Repass - Social Worker

Robert Repass - Social Worker

“The most important thing to me has been… the positive interactions and daily accomplishments we all experience with students, their caregivers, and staff.  

Each day we arrive at work, we are unaware of what our school day will consist of, but what we do know is that we will have an effect on others. Whether it’s at arrival or dismissal… before or after lunch… even at a scheduled activity or a spontaneous meeting… we all play a role in the lives of people we interact with. We cannot be all things to all people, but sometimes, we will be the right person at the right time.”

 

Monica Lane - Special Education Teacher

Monica Lane - Special Education Teacher

“I enjoy seeing our students achieve or surpass any limitations they or their families might face, due to their disabilities. Behind every child's eye, no matter what their disabilities, there is wisdom, grit, and resilience. They just need to see a village cheering them on, uplifting them, advocating for their voices, and encouraging them to succeed.”

Candeisa Jordan - Behavior Analyst

Candeisa Jordan - Behavior Analyst

“Mary Cariola has helped me grow in many different ways. I started here at the agency as a Teacher’s Aide, went to become a Teacher’s Assistant and then a teacher. Throughout the years within these positions, I have improved my communication skills, have learned to become more patient, balance and manage different responsibilities. As I continued to grow in my personal and professional life, I decided to go back to school to receive my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with Autism, where Mary Cariola Center helped me to pursue my career.”

Tami Sekol - Teacher Assistant

Tami Sekol - Teacher Assistant

“I have found my niche working with our medically fragile students who have intellectual developmental delays. Many in the world overlook them but they are a bright spot. I work with fun, loving and giving kids. I have found at Mary Cariola that there is truth in the statement ‘While they cannot speak they have much to say.’ It’s so important to listen and these children deserve being heard.”

Lawanza Lane - Speech Pathologist

Lawanza Lane - Speech Pathologist

"I enjoy working at Mary Cariola Children's Center because it’s a place that when you wake up in the morning it will be filled with new and exciting challenges. Not everyone can say they work with amazing colleagues and a supervisor who is supportive of creativity and promotes professional growth. Hopefully, my students are able to sense that first and foremost I care about them as individuals. Each day I’m blessed with the wonder of discovering abilities that are beyond obvious limitations."

Matt Chichester - Special Education Teacher

Matt Chichester - Special Education Teacher

"I have held many positions at Mary Cariola, but no matter what the position my favorite part is interacting with the students every day and helping them learn and grow.  Our students have a high level of need, and I think it is important their needs are met as best as possible and they are not shorted because they may have complex needs or challenging behaviors.  For me, it’s very rewarding when you can connect with the students, have fun with them, and show them that you truly enjoy working with them."

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1000 Elmwood Ave., Suite 100
Rochester, NY 14620   [map]
(585) 271-0761

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