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!

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.

---

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!

---

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!

---

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.

---