Special Education
Jennie Hoose, Middle School Special Education Teacher
Jennie Hoose graduated from Moravian College in 2006 with
her Bachelor of Music in music education. Following graduation, she worked as a
one-on-one teaching assistant in a variety of special education classrooms
while working towards her teaching certificate and Master’s in Special Education
at DeSales University. She also worked for two years as a long-term substitute
with a school district in Bucks County prior to joining the staff at Seven
Generations in 2012.
In general, she spends her free time crocheting, scrapbooking, enjoying friends and family, and running, but her life continues to be filled with music. She plays and teaches violin, viola and Celtic fiddle, yet still finds time to putter in the kitchen, where she loves to bake and is learning how to cook.
What is it like to teach
at Seven Generations?
Every day is a new
adventure! I feel lucky to be working with such talented and dedicated staff
members. Students here are critical thinkers and problems solvers, and
challenge me to stretch myself as an educator.
Stephanie Kipper, Special Education Support Teacher
After growing up in New York and working at a therapeutic horseback riding program throughout high school, Stephanie knew she wanted to work with children. She attended Dickinson College, graduated with a BA in psychology, and worked as a direct care professional at the New England Center for Children (a school for children with autism) while earning her Master's in Special Education. She spent 2010 and part of 2011 pursuing her certification in Behavior Analysis at Arcadia University, and also taught students with special needs at The Melmark School.
Stephanie is making the move from Doylestown to Bethlehem, where she loves to spend time with family and friends. As long as the weather is nice, she enjoys spending much of her time outdoors. Her favorite activities include running, biking, swimming and skiing. Contact Stephanie at stephanie.kipper@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Seven Generations is a very special and unique place. I am looking forward to being part of such a close team of teachers, students, and parents.
Scott Lesko, One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional
Scott's path to his current position began when he graduated from Moravian College with a degree in sociology and became a Family Worker at Lehigh Valley Children's Center. He assistant taught quite a bit while at LVCC, which led him to re-think his career. Finally, during a job as an Intensive Case Manager at ARCH of the Lehigh Valley, and through his work with children on the autistic spectrum, his goal to be a teacher became clear. So, in addition to working at Seven Generations, he is now enrolled at Cedar Crest College studying for his Master's in Education, Special Education, and his ESL Certification. His work as a One-to-One Paraprofessional involves assisting the Special Education staff as they implement our instructional program, including working directly with children in a variety of settings (e.g., small group, large group, one-to-one); establishing an effective rapport with students assigned to the classroom, and motivating pupils to develop the attitudes and knowledge needed for a good educational foundation, in accordance with each child's ability.
Having grown up in the countryside of Palmerton, and spent many a day playing in the woods, or walking to a nearby dairy farm to visit the cows and cats, Scott is right at home with Seven Gen's mission and values. He now lives in Easton with his wife, her 7-year-old daughter and a menagerie of animals, including dog Romeo (who is, of course, man's best friend), two cats Bandit and Tiger, and a whole school of fish. He feels more alive in the summer and loves to go hiking or putter in the garden, where he plants different kinds of flowers but could do without all the spiders. Then it's on to the beach, a walk on the boardwalk and grabbing a slice of pizza while playing some games. Cooking is a real passion of his as well. After a hard day at work, whipping up a meal is very therapeutic. Contact Scott Lesko at scott.lesko@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
This being my first year at Seven Gen, I can tell you that I am very excited to start working with all the teachers and students. Seven Gen really seems like the kind of school that puts children first.
Danielle McConaghy, One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional
Danielle graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 2009 with a BS in elementary and special education. She worked for two years as an instructional assistant in a learning support classroom and as an Extended School Year teacher, then joined our staff in fall 2011.
She lives in her hometown of Sellersville, where she enjoys reading, taking pictures and swimming, as well as spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of a choir and has had the privilege of traveling with them to perform in places like Ireland and Alaska. Contact Danielle McConaghy at danielle.mcconaghy@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Teaching at Seven Generations has been a great experience so far. I feel extremely lucky to be working in a school with such a great sense of community. It's evident that the needs of the students come first.
Melissa Peck, Special Education Support Teacher
Melissa grew up in Montgomery County, PA with her parents and two older brothers. After graduating from North Penn High School, she attended Bloomsburg University and majored in elementary education and special education. She was the 8th Learning Support teaching position for the Norristown School District after college. During the 2009-2010 school year, she was a long-term substitute for the Pottsgrove School District, co-teaching history and geometry as high school Emotional Support and working as 3rd and 4th grade Learning Support. Melissa has also done three summers of Extended School year where she worked with students with severe disabilities.
Melissa loves to spend time with her family and friends, read, go shopping and watch movies. If the weather is right, she loves to travel, swim and go fishing. She believes that you learn something new every day and can't wait to see what she learns tomorrow! Contact Melissa at melissa.peck@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
I am so excited and thankful to be here at Seven Generations, and to be able to use everything I've learned in other school districts to help improve the education I give my students.
Photos: Olaf Starorypinski
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