Although Kaitlyn Tarr may not realize it, she has long served as an inspiration to her beloved big brother, “Mikey.”

The 20-year-old Guild School student contributed to Michael’s decision to pursue a career in medicine, shaped his sunny disposition and taught him to be grateful for what he has.

National Siblings Day, which will be celebrated on April 10, carries extra meaning for the emergency medicine resident who works at three hospitals in the Bronx.

Several weeks ago, Guild School student Thomas “T.J.” Sheppard was scheduled to have his wisdom teeth removed. To help the difficult procedure go smoothly, The Guild offered to send a member of the residential staff to accompany T.J. and his mother, Karen.

To the surprise of no one, Renel Desjardins, assistant residential manager of Cedar House, joined the Sheppards. T.J. and Renel have established a close, trusting relationship over the last year, a bond that has eased T.J. during challenging times and helped the 20-year-old cope better.

For Julie Finke, collectively creating beautiful music has nothing at all to do with the quality of the sound.

As a music therapist at The Guild School, the object of her sessions with individual classes is to provide students with non-musical personal growth benefits: enhanced communications, strengthened connections to peers, feeling a sense of mastery and improved cognitive skills.

The monthly menu reads like that of a popular neighborhood restaurant: grilled salmon with brown rice and seasoned broccoli; lemon chicken with quinoa and roasted carrots; and three-bean soup with zucchini sticks and pineapple.

These are not the dinner options at a four-star restaurant, but are among the typical daily offerings on the lunch menu at The Guild School’s cafeteria. The focus on nutritious, wholesome meals prepared from scratch is a key ingredient (pun intended) of The Guild’s commitment to healthy eating.

Once reluctant to shave at all, Peter Anastasi now confidently gives himself a close shave with an electric razor.

“I like shaving,” the 21-year-old tells Nicole Anulewicz, his occupational therapist at The Guild School, during a recent OT session.

During the winter recess at The Guild School, residential students enjoyed a busy break participating in enriching activities held at the school, in the residences and at locations around Eastern Massachusetts.

Highlights included an exotic animal visit and a New Year’s Eve party at The Guild; a trip to see Disney on Ice; attending the La Salette Christmas Festival of Lights and Zoo Lights at the Stone Zoo; and making gingerbread houses at the residences.

What began as an educational lesson in The Guild School’s Bridge classroom grew into a collaborative class project to support individuals impacted by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions.

Whenever Jesse P. is near a pond or lake, he enjoys tossing in a rock or stick to honor someone close to him. “This one is for Mommy. This one is for Daddy. This one is for Calvin (his younger brother).” As he recites names with each throw, he also includes members of his Guild for Human Services’ family.

When my son, Korey, was born 19 years ago, I knew very little about parenting a child, let alone a child with special needs. What I did know, and learned very quickly, was that I loved Korey with all of my heart – the same way all parents love their children.

I enjoyed being a new mom, although the expected early milestones – talking, sitting up and walking – were delayed and required early intervention. It was soon apparent to me that this journey would be different than I expected.

The Guild’s new Coffee Shop opened for business on Aug. 27, and students have been serving staff members beverages and baked goods for an hour every weekday since. Students operate the cash register, prepare food, fulfill orders and make deliveries around the school.