October 2025 Employee Spotlight

October is zipping by, but we can't forget to shout out our amazing team! Our first October Employee Spotlight goes out to our wonderful BCBA, Becky Karis! Ms. Becky is a versatile team player who is always ready to jump in and support her team members and students. Her wealth of knowledge and passion for what she does is something to admire.

• What do you love most about interacting with students?
  • I love going out into the community and seeing all their growth in skills
• What is your favorite thing about working at LEARN?
  • We have great collaboration between teachers and related services staff! I also love that I get to work with transition age students
• How would you describe our LEARN community?
  • Everybody works towards a common goal and is always willing to help each other out. Plus, people are really knowledgeable in their respective area
• What is a fun fact about you?
  • I used to be a Marine Biologist and I used to work at a yarn store where I was paid in yarn
• What are you most looking forward to this school year?
  • The fun after school activities we are hosting like the upcoming Family Fall Fest
• Finish this sentence "outside of work you can find me..."
  • Either walking my dogs or knitting
• What is your favorite local coffee of lunch spot?
  • La Stella Pasta & Pastry in Norwich

Thank you Becky for always finding ways to help our students reach their goals and learn new things!

 

While many of our Student Support Services team members work at Ocean Avenue LEARNing Academy and LEARN Transition Academy, we also have team members across our magnet schools and serving on other districts! We think they deserve a shout out as well, so we have a second October Employee Spotlight! This one is for is for Cristina Montero, one of our Complex Special Education Teachers at RMMS.

• What is your favorite thing about working at LEARN?
  • The collaboration between all the staff members which includes service providers, general education teachers, intervention specialists, and the administration
• How would you describe our LEARN community?
  • The educators at LEARN have a trauma informed and diverse approach to teach
• What is a fun fact about you?
  • I was a competitive baton twirler and gymnast
• What are you most looking forward to this school year?
  • Celebrating the small and big accomplishments of my students
• Finish this sentence "outside of work you can find me..."
  • Spending time with my family
• What is your favorite local coffee of lunch spot?
  • I love Big Y Pizza

Thank you Cristina for inspiring young learners to be the best versions of themselves!