I became a teacher later in life. When life through me a curve ball, I started a new job as a school secretary at a special needs school. It wasn't long before a spark was set within and I knew I was being called to be a teacher! I tried to ignore it at first, but the spark didn't dim. I started researching and found a program that provided me an opportunity to work full time and be present in my family's lives while completing classes and modules to earn my LSB1 certification.

Recently, my life skills special education class held a science fair. My students have high needs and communicate by ASL, AAC devices, visual boards or limited speech. Often projects like science experiments seem impossible. But my paras and I believe in opportunity and inclusion! We thought we were making science, but we actually created trust between students and teachers, learned new ASL like "volcano", witnessed students sign "more" to watch experiments, and felt true acceptance!

After the best school pizza party and fun day, I'd pay forward by donating to a local all-accessible playground being developed in my community in memory of Baby Sarah. Next, I would have to share winnings with my paraprofessionals who are a vital part of my classroom village. Finally, as a mom, I've been dreaming of big vacation for my children before my oldest daughter graduates high school and starts her new chapter. The memories would be priceless.