Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

What do you love about TJS?: I love the close community and relationships you are able to build with students, families and other staff members. TJS truly cares about each person and values them- the passion our staff have to support our students is unlike anything I have ever seen in another environment. Watching our students grow, communicate and be able to access the world around them brings me immense joy. 

Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family & friends and trying out new recipes. My husband and I enjoy doing all things outdoors with our toddler- parks, hikes and farm animals are his favorite. Together we love trips to the mountains and traveling to spend time with those we love. I can often be found watching basketball- specifically all things Creighton- Go Jays!

Hometown: Tampa, Florida/Traverse City, MI

What do you love about TJS?: 

The TJS community is a place of shared joy and presence, where everyone is treated with compassion and patience, and where each action is viewed through the lens of dignity and meaning. It’s an honor to be a part of it for so long.   

Favorite TJS Philosophy:

Meet every student where they're at, Start small move slowly, Be kind for everyone is fighting a hard battle, Find meaning in everything you do, Leave your ego at the door, Dignity is the birthright of every human, Take care of your community, Every day is a new day, and Value students as individuals with their own hopes, talents and dreams.

Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: 

I like to eat pancakes, pet cats, and make up jingles about the creatures I love.

Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA

What do you love about TJS:

I love that TJS is a safe place where families and students with unique needs can go and are accepted, appreciated, and valued for exactly who they are. The TJS community has such a strong sense of belonging and community for all involved.

Favorite TJS Philosophy: “Dignity is the birthright of every human being”

Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: 

When I am not at TJS, you will find me spending time with friends, hanging out with my cat, or at a thrift store looking for treasures!

Hometown: Briarcliff Manor, New York

What do you love about TJS?: I started at TJS as an Instructional Assistant and thought it would be a short term job, but here we are 5.5 years later! I love the sense of community that is built between the staff and students and that you can really feel that each and every day, and it creates such a wonderful environment for students to learn in. Everyone is cheering everyone on, always so supportive of each other and so proud to watch every single student grow. 

Favorite TJS Philosophy: So hard to pick, but “Every day is a new day!”

Favorite Things To Do Outside of TJS: I spend a lot of my time outside of TJS either doing something outside or traveling somewhere new! I absolutely love to explore new places and spend most of our school breaks traveling to countries that are new to me. I also love skiing and do so most weekends in the winter. In the summer, I always try to make my way back east, see my family and spend some time on the beach. I love to spend time with my friends and family, and listen to music or go to concerts, especially Noah Kahan.