Employee Testimonials- Why do you love working at OLV HS?
I am privileged to work in a multi-cultural environment, where the students are exposed to the world and the various cultures within it. In the time I have spent here, I can honestly say I have witnessed the most dedicated, adaptable and hardworking staff. They all seem to have a simpler objective to myself, to give the best possible education to our students, create lifelong learners, and adjusts learning to fit the student’s needs.
- Amber Penfield, Special Education Teacher
We just LOVE working at Baker Hall because it is a challenging yetrewarding job to be working with today’s youth/tomorrows future!
- Jim DiCorso, English Teacher & Bob Falk, Math Teacher
I love teaching special education/ early education because of the academic/ social-emotional foundation that is laid through playing, discovering, and having fun. Even though this school year has looked different, we have found virtually every way possible to make it great, like wearing these awesome headbands as we learn about our sense of hearing. It's rewarding when my students learn something new because I was able to teach them in a way that made sense for them. Being able to help students, even through a screen, make progress toward their goals to reach future independence is always the best part of my job.
-Jazmine Williams, Special Education Teacher
I enjoy working at OLV HS Education Division because it is rewarding to work with students and help them as they overcome their challenges and grow into young adults.
-Angelica Parades, Spanish Teacher
I enjoy working with these dedicated, smart and creative women on my team. We are on a mission to make sure our students know they are respected, appreciated and able to achieve their goals.- Alicia Serapiglia, Special Education Teacher
It means the world to me to work at a place where caring staff regularly collaborate for the good of the students, and to know this is supported and encouraged by the administrators!" - Lisa Oun, Music Teacher
I enjoy working for OLV Education Division because I am able to form meaningful and positive relationships with my students. The best part is being able to make a meaningful contribution that changes a life. School culture was very important to me while looking for a job. At Baker Academy, all school staff works together as a team. I have never felt alone or unsupported; there’s always someone to turn to for help or advice. I highly recommend OLV if you’re looking for a career of fulfillment and making a difference in a child’s life.
-Erica Curella, Special Education Teacher
I love working at OLV HS because I love the relationships and bonds I build with the students. The impression that they leave on us, and that we leave on them is evident in their success after the program!
- Meagan Blankenship, Special Education Teacher
I love working for OLV HS at Monarch because I have the best co-workers! Whether we are dressing up for a special day, like Halloween or Dr. Seuss week, or supporting each other after a tough day, the professional, compassionate people I work with make everyday fun and enjoyable! We always work together to help the kids grow!
-Christin Young, Physical Therapist
We love working at Baker Academy because we have a hardworking, supportive and knowledgeable team and we care about helping our students thrive every day.”
- Baker Academy Social Workers
I started working at OLV Human Services 4 years ago as a Special Education Teacher. I enjoyed my classroom experience, but I was inspired and encouraged to further my education and become a School Building Leader. In May of 2019, I began an Education Coordinator role where I was able to work directly with my building principal and receive direct mentoring during the internship piece of my Canisius program. This September, I celebrated my first “First Day” as a school principal. OLV Human Services has empowered me to grow from a classroom educator to a leader.
-Trista Kleozer, Principal
I enjoy my job at Baker Hall as it allows me to follow my passion of working with youth and adolescents. These kids are truly extraordinary despite the challenges they face. I feel truly blessed that I get to build genuine relationships with the students to help them grow and succeed in all areas not just education. I love random funny conversations, the nicknames, helping them with work...all of it....and random gifts of artwork...it’s all priceless and u can’t put a salary on that.
-Kim Grose, Restorative Practices Coach
We love watching our students blossom from timid teens to young, employable men and women ready for real world.
-Patti Diorio, Special Education Teacher
-Lexi Glamer, Educational Aide
-Ellen Welch, WAY Worksite Mentor
The best part about working for OLV is knowing how much positivity and joy you bring into the students lives.
-Laura Delaney, Special Education Teacher
I love working at OLVHS because everyone works as a team and supports each other. Supervisors are flexible and understanding and coworkers are always there when you need them. The kids we serve are an amazing bunch and watching them learn and grow is one of the best parts of the job.
- Connie Fuhrmann, Special Education Teacher
I love working at Baker Hall school because we are allowed time to find out our student’s interests and mold the curriculum to that. What I love most about Baker Hall is that we are allowed the freedom to best engage our students with the latest technology like this augmented reality sandbox.
-Mark Berdysiak Science Teacher
I have worked as a physical education teacher in the educational division for 20 years. Although it has had its challenges, I have found it extremely rewarding. I had always felt the calling to work with kids who struggle in their academics and everyday life. It has truly been my pleasure to help students work through their challenges, built confidence in who they are and feel positive about themselves and what they can achieve. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing them grow throughout the years. Watching them make good choices and move towards a better future. It can be sad to see them go back to district or graduate and know you might not see them but it feels good to know they have succeed even with the hardship they have had to endure.
Not only has it been rewarding to work with the kids but my co-workers throughout the years have been fantastic. One notable attribute is their enthusiasm to help each other and make the school community thrive. We also, work together, thinking outside the box to find ways to make the school a positive and fun place to be. Over the years we have many events, such as carnivals, field days, a haunted house, spirit week, and talent shows to build moral and to create a positive atmosphere for both staff and students. The memories I have always make me smile and I still look forward to making many more.
-Angela Puff, Physical Education Teacher
I enjoy working for OLV because of the people I get to work with. The students consistently challenge me to be better and the staff works as a team and creates a supportive environment.
-Rachael Refermat, Special Education Teacher
I have worked for OLV Human Services at Monarch Little Learners Academy since July 2009. I started here when I was going for my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and now have my Master’s Degree in Special Education. I have been teaching preschool special education for four years now. I have learned so much through my experiences here. Each day brings something new with our students and that’s what I love. I love teaching them, helping them learn, watching them achieve their goals, & becoming the best they can be. OLVHS has provided me with many experiences that I will always be grateful for. I have built many strong relationships with families that I still stay in touch with years after their child has gone onto another school. I have also built friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I am thankful for this agency in more ways than I can say.
-Kellie Whalen, Special Education Teacher
I enjoy working at OLV Human Services because I feel like I am making a difference. Seeing my students learn new thing or make steps towards their goals brings me a sense of accomplishment and pride.
I feel that my school, my class and my team are a family and we are always there to support one another both in and out of the classroom.
-Michelle Trala, Special Education Teacher
When I transitioned from working as an OT in the home care rehab field to the early education setting, I knew it was going to be a big change. I enjoy the opportunity to trouble shoot and find ways to overcome barriers and working with these adorable littles has been so rewarding because they are growing and changing before my very eyes. To see them reach milestones is as exciting as when my own children make progress. This big guy and I featured in this photo is a student I began working with last year and I have had the pleasure of watching him grow and develop in school as well as from home during our time on teletherapy. This is an aspect you don’t get in home care as you work with patients for about a month and that is it. Thanks to being on the OLV team I am able to look forward to seeing how Mason continues to become kindergarten ready now that he is back in person. Go Mason!
-Dawn Luniewski, Occupational Therapist