May 8th-12th marked National Teacher Appreciation Week! Throughout the week, we celebrated our incredible education team with events and featured staff profiles on our social media pages. Check out highlights below, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @guildhumanservices for full staff features:

Maria Esna, M.Ed, Classroom Teacher

What's the best part about your job?Maria Esna

Getting to work with such an amazing group of professionals to improve students' quality of life! I love experiencing small moments of happiness with students throughout the day.

What drew you to the field of human services?

I grew up in Costa Rica and used to spend my vacations and afternoons going to school and therapies with my cousin, who has Charge Syndrome. I fell in love with the field at a young age and always wanted to be as involved as the professionals who worked with her.

Greg LaudaniGreg Laudani, OTD, OTR, Occupational Therapist

Do you have a favorite professional memory?

Fall fest was a special day. I had a blast with students!

What drew you to the field of human services?

My passion for working with underserved individuals drew me to this field. I believe that every person has the right to compassionate, equitable health care that helps them live the most fulfilling life they can.

Rhonah Nakalyowa, M.Ed, Classroom TeacherRhonah Nakalyowa

What's the best part about your job?

The best part about my job is smiling and laughing with students, receiving positive feedback from parents and colleagues, and achieving together as a Guild team.

What drew you to the field of human services?

In my country, special needs schools are expensive and few. For this reason, at my high school one of my classmates had a disability and had no aide or support. He was also denied the opportunity to run for student council because of his disability. I remember thinking how that was wrong, and I wanted to fight for his rights.

Kevin JeanKevin Jean, Classroom Teacher

Do you have a favorite professional memory?

My favorite memory is taking my first classroom of students to a trampoline park. At first, it was nerve-wracking being in a large environment like that, but once they began jumping, both staff and students had the time of their lives.

What's the best part about your job?

I love interacting with new staff and students!

Neaama Bourote, SLP, Speech-Language PathologistNeaama Bourote

What's the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is providing individuals with the opportunity to communicate effectively and helping them form important social relationships that will improve their quality of life!

What drew you to the field of human services?

I always knew I wanted to work closely with people and the field of human services provides the opportunity to do just that. To be able to be part of meaningful work that helps change people's lives for the better is what makes this field so rewarding and drew me to it!