Welcome to our monthly Staff Spotlight, a segment of CTC's newsletter where we feature a randomly-selected member of the CTC staff and showcase their interests, experiences and advice!

April 2025 - Alisa Nosti

Interview conducted by Y.A.P. student Kevin.

Q: When did you start working at CTC?
A: I became a full-time staff member in September of 2023.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: I'm a Physical Therapist. In college, I was a student intern here.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: I love all the students here! I love that all the students are different so every day is different. And the positive energy! 

Q: What inspires you most?
A: Seeing the children I work with get better and improving.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Biking. Anything outside: hiking, going to the beach. Now that its nice out I will go out more.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: I want to take more pediatric classes!

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your colleagues?
A: I really enjoy working with everyone and that they are collaborative and willing to listen and teach each other. My supervisor, Lisa Bruno, is fantastic.
​Overall great co-workers!

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March 2025 - Louis Tortoriello

Q: When did you start working at CTC?
A: November 2022.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: Paraprofessional.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: The kids and the gleam in the eye!

Q: What inspires you most?
A: My parents and brothers.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Snowboarding.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: I would like to live in Northern California.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your colleagues?
A: Thank you for being so accepting and welcoming to me in all parts of the school!

Interview conducted by Y.A.P. student Christopher.

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February 2025 - Christina Turanick

Interview conducted by Upper Elementary School student Lucas.

Q: When did you start working at CTC?
A: November, 2022.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: Paraprofessional.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: The support from others and watching the kids grow and be themselves.

Q: What inspires you most?
A: See the kids make relationships with peers and staff.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?
A: I enjoy reading and jiujitsu. And snuggling my cats!

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: To have my own classroom!

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your colleagues?
A: Try new things and never give up!

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January 2025 - Alissa Mason

Q: When did you start working at Celebrate the Children?
A: 7 years ago.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: I am a teacher.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: It's gotta be the kids! I love it here because it's like family.

Q: What inspires you most?
A: My students inspire me everyday to be better.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?
A: I like going to the beach, hiking, and spending time with my kids. I like watching ID channel.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: To see my students grow and succeed.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your colleagues? 
A: Thank you to everyone! Thank you for being there, always smiling, and for helping out everyday.

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December 2024 - Rasue Ahmadi

Interview conducted by High School student James.
Thank you to Ms. Melissa for your help!

Q: When did you start working at Celebrate the Children?
A: September 2021.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A:  I am a paraprofessional in the HS Department.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: I love to help the students.

Q: What inspires you most?
A: When helping the kids and seeing them inspires me most.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?
A:  I like cooking, sewing, and my grandchildren.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: To be healthy.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your colleagues? 
A: I love you!

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November 2024 - Wendy Wollny

Q: When did you start working at Celebrate the Children?
A: I started working here in March, 2009.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: I am Andrew's TA in the YAP. I used to be a 1:1.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: My favorite part of my job is working with students, especially during CBI in the community.

Q: What inspires you most?
A: I am most inspired by relationships with students and staff.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?
A: I like to go on hikes and spend time with my grandchildren.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: I hope to retire to Upstate NY! Lake George. My summers are up there, and I am from there.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your colleagues? 
A: Remember to believe in yourself and your students!

Interview conducted by Y.A.P. Student, Kevin.
Thank you for your help, Ms. Regina!

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October 2024 - Stephanie Sawicki

Q: When did you start working at Celebrate the Children?
A: I started work at CTC in September 2022.

Q: What position do you hold at our school?
A: My title is School Social Worker.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: My favorite part of being a social worker at CTC is developing relationships with my students.
​I am also very grateful for the support I receive from my coworkers.

Q: What inspires you most?
A:  My faith inspires me in all aspects of my life.

Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?
A: My favorite hobbies are running, cooking, interior decorating,
​and watching college football.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: In the future, I hope to have grandchildren.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to say to your colleagues? 
A: Remember that we will all benefit from working together as a team and valuing everyone's point of view