Ever since I was 16 years old I knew I wanted to make a career out of working with children with special needs. I grew up around parents who were teachers, and more specifically a mother who was a special education teacher. My parents taught me to see the potential in every individual despite their disabilities. When I was 16 years old I got a job at my local YMCA working for an after school program for children with disabilities. Here they were able to socialize with peers and just relax in a comfortable environment. When I was 17 I went to college where I studied childhood and special education, and I recently graduated from SUNY Geneseo with my bachelors degree in childhood and special education. I am also a NYS certified childhood and special education teacher. I currently work at an inclusive daycare working with children with and without disabilities and I also substitute teach. I love what I do and I am very passionate about working with children! I am also currently working on a masters degree in special education at SUNY Oswego.