Meet Pat, Summer Program Manager at Kindle Farm
As I complete my 14th year at Kindle Farm, I am amazed to see my transformation and growth both as an individual and at Kindle Farm. My journey in this field began in 2005 when I graduated from Castleton State College with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. As I completed this degree, I realized that I wasn't entirely sure where it would lead and what job opportunities would be open to me; I am happy that through different career experiences, life brought me to Kindle Farm. I feel strongly connected to Kindle Farm as it is unique, much like my educational experience. I started my education at a one-room schoolhouse with 18-23 students in any given year. I was the only student in my grade for all six years, and I was 1:1 with the teacher each day for academics.
My career eventually led me home to the Bellows Falls area in the fall of 2006, where I began working at HCRS. I started as a Community Outreach Specialist before I began managing an Alternative school program. From there, I case-managed for a few years before I found my way into the public school system. I worked as a para and behavioral interventionist for over two years at Leland & Gray. Initially, I planned to work at Kindle Farm as a BI for a student and transition back to Leland & Gray with him. After a year at Kindle Farm, I knew I wanted to continue working there, and luckily, Kindle Farm felt the same way.
Over the past 14 years, I have worked on both campuses with students from the ages of 8-20 years old as a classroom assistant, 1:1, and behavioral interventionist. My growth throughout the years allowed me to reach beyond my comfort zone to lead unique afternoon activities such as football, cribbage, history of movies, fishing, and basketball, among many others. Kindle Farm has helped me become more assertive in speaking in front of groups, leading trainings, and taking on supervisory roles. I now manage the summer program for the second year in a row. The excellent, caring staff and high staff-to-student ratios allow Kindle Farm to achieve magical things daily. It enables us to build strong working relationships and an understanding of who students are and how to serve them best. The growth mindset and relationship-based approach make Kindle Farm an extraordinary place to be every day.
In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports and going for a ride on the four-wheeler. I have two beautiful children, and my better half supports me through all my decisions and struggles. Most of my spare time is spent taxiing my teenage son around and coordinating playdates for my daughter.