Educator Story

October 19, 2009

Dear Friends of the Cleo Eulau Center,

As a teacher, it is hard to find time to get to the needs of each and every child. Working with Lisa Medoff, a mental health consultant from the Cleo Eulau Center, has opened opportunities I was missing in the past. When I have a problem, she makes herself available to listen.

Our time together is always helpful. We brainstorm ideas—different ideas then just working with other teachers. Having a person available to help who understands children, how they think, and their needs, but doesn’t spend all day in a classroom, is an amazing resource. There is a fine line between someone who understands children and someone who is able to come up with ideas that will work with multiple children at the same time! The staff at Cleo Eulau walks that line like superstars!

The Cleo Eulau program has helped me outside of the classroom as well. Conflict and difficult conversations used to make me run. After working with members of the Cleo Eulau staff, I feel much more confident talking with colleagues about difficult situations. I am able to professionally state my case, respectfully listen to another perspective and work to reach an agreement. It’s easy to see how our students benefit from being taught by a staff that works collaboratively and easily together. The Cleo Eulau staff has definitely impacted the way I teach and learn. I even volunteered to be a union representative for my school for the first time ever. I feel like I am learning a lot and putting some newly acquired skills to use. Thank you Cleo Eulau Center! And thank you to the supporters who make CEC’s work possible!

Sincerely,

Ann Lucero
Teacher, Hawes School