Village Staff Connection: Heidi Klein (TAD) is known for her high energy, positive attitude, being a leader and a team player, and always taking initiative and being ready! For these reasons, she was nominated and selected as our final Village Staff Connection for the 2023-2024 school year! Heidi has been at Village since 2011 when she first started as an Individual Aide. Throughout her time at Village, Heidi has worked in numerous classrooms with many students and teachers. Heidi shares that the student smiles, laughter, and the colleagues in the classroom are why she loves working at Village. She indicates that there are so many fun moments throughout the day and that everyone is here for each other and makes it fun for the kids. She loves ensuring the students get the most out of each day and that they feel the love and support so they know it is a safe place for them. Heidi shares that it is critical to make the learning engaging and to work to provide experiences for the students. Outside of her work at Village, Heidi is the local coordinator for the town of Cheshire Special Olympics which includes over 150 athletes. She also has three grandchildren which keeps her busy and she loves to travel and take road trips. Her road trips have helped her to see many places that you would never know existed! Heidi, thank you for all that you do to show your Village PRIDE every day!
Posted 1 month, 1 day ago
Today is our last day of the 2023-2024 school year. Join us in celebrating these three dedicated educators who are retiring from successful careers at ACES. Karen Martin (Pre-School Teacher), Wendy Staschke (Special Education Teacher), and Deb Sears (Planning Aide) have made a large impact on the Village School program throughout their career, touching the lives of countless families, students, and staff along the way. We celebrate you and wish you well in your next chapter! We will miss you greatly.
Posted 1 month, 2 days ago
An amazing Family BBQ night with some very special people !
Posted 1 month, 3 days ago
It is a beautiful day to get your car washed and help make a difference! Please support our friends at ACES Whitney Academy in their quest to raise funds for Special Olympics Connecticut!
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connections: Kathy Hassen-Stack (Physical Therapist) is this week’s Staff Connection! Kathy was nominated by countless colleagues due to her daily commitment to the students at Village School. Kathy is known for being hardworking, supportive, respectful of all students and families, extremely knowledgeable, and dedicated to excellence. It was during her 8th grade year that Kathy first learned about Physical Therapy from her pediatrician. As an athlete, Kathy set a goal for going into sport medicine; however, she fell in love with rehab once she entered the field. Ironically, Kathy did not like working in pediatrics and never imagined herself working in a school-based program. Kathy joined ACES 28 years ago and has had the pleasure of working in several programs within ACES. This was her first school based Physical Therapy job and it has become her passion. Prior to coming to ACES, Kathy worked in a variety of positions throughout New York, Illinois, and California. When asked what she enjoys about working at Village School, Kathy indicates that being able to make a difference in the daily lives of the students is what drives her work. The smile that she can put on their face for the short time that she is working with them makes her feel good. She also shared that she appreciates the ability to help parents navigate the system and understand the abilities their child has. Kathy’s co-workers at ACES have been one of her greatest supports throughout her life. She credits her mentors, Maureen, Beverly, and Janet as people who helped her grow personally and professionally. She says that it has been a journey and ACES has helped her to be a better person and grow as a therapist. Outside of work, Kathy is the proud mom and step mom to three sons. Her step-son is a researcher at Yale and her two sons are officers in the Navy. She likes to exercise (running, biking, hiking), going to the beach, travelling, sunsets, and sunrises! Kathy also has been enjoying working with her colleague, Mimi Washington at the Rolling Thunder program. She said this has been an excellent experience and has enjoyed learning from her colleague in this venue. Kathy, thank you for all you do for the students of Village School and for showing your Village PRIDE daily!!
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
FAMILY NIGHT RESCHEDULED!!
DUE TO THE RAINY WEATHER FORECAST ON THURSDAY, OUR FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY,JUNE 11TH FROM 5:00-6:30. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW.
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Ari Ocasio (ABA Trainer) who has been working at Village School for the past three years. Ari is this week’s Village Staff Connection. She was nominated by her colleagues as someone who always shows her Village PRIDE by being kind, patient, positive, and respectful of students and colleagues. When watching Ari work with the students, you can’t help but smile and notice how much she loves each child. Ari began as an Individual Aide and then transitioned to an ABA Trainer. Ari has a personal connection to the work that is done at Village School as she has an uncle with special support needs. She knew this was a field she wanted to work in because she wanted to be the person who helped others like her uncle. Ari shares that she loves kids. She enjoys working with younger students and she says it is remarkable to see the growth the students make. It is clear she has a passion to help impact that growth. She hopes one day to return to school and pursue her degree towards becoming a BCBA. Ari said each day is a new adventure and the smiles and laughter of the students bring her joy through those adventures. When not at work, Ari finds joy in doing her nails and the nails of others. This is something she started doing during the pandemic when everything was shut down. She also enjoys going on hikes with her two dogs. For those that are considering a job in this field, Ari recommends having an open mind and patience. She feels those are the keys to meeting the individuality of each child and what support they need to be their best! Ari, thank you for showing your Village PRIDE every day!
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: Jaime Plancon, Music Therapist, has been nominated for this week’s Village Staff Connection. Jaime was nominated by her colleagues for her work and dedication in providing a safe environment for the students to engage in the arts by meeting them where they are and helping them shine. In addition to her work as a music therapist, Jaime serves as an integral member of several committees within the school including the school safety committee. Jaime began working at ACES Village School in 2003 after a series of life events brought her here to where she always wanted to be. Since high school, Jaime has wanted to be a music “teacher” at ACES. From a young age she enjoyed working with students both within her high school and at camp environments. At the time she did not know what music therapy was but she recognized the importance of music in the lives of children with special needs and wanted to learn more about how to make it meaningful and impactful. While teaching at a local public school district, she was faced with losing her position due to budget cuts, and she took the opportunity to get her masters in Music Therapy as a way to explore her desire to reach others through music. Upon completing her degree, she saw that ACES was looking for a Music Therapist. It was clear that it was meant to be for her. Jaime says that working at ACES Village School is her “jam”. She further explains that it marries the things she loves so much, working with people and doing it with music. She says it is an incredible feeling to witness the successes and the growth and the special moments for students. Any opportunity where students can utilize the power of music to help them grow and achieve is powerful. Outside of work Jaime is a “boy mom” to three boys who keep her busy with their activities, but she would not have it any other way. Jaime is also an avid runner and enjoys working out. Jaime, thank you for showing your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago
It was a great morning at the ASRC Walk for Autism. Team ACES raised $3,916 which will help provide services across the state to families and individuals with Autism. Thank you to everyone who joined us today or who donated to support Team ACES. If you have pictures please send them to us!
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet C’Asia Corbett, Individual Aide at Village School and this week’s Staff Connection. C’Asia has been an Individual Aide at Village School for almost a year and in that time she has grown in her skills and has had a great impact on the student’s she works with. C’Asia was nominated for her willingness to always go above and beyond and do whatever is needed for the students. She has become a leader within her classroom and someone who others rely on. C’Asia shares that she wanted to work at ACES Village School because she feels like she relates to the younger students. She enjoys working with the students and getting to know them. She shared that they amaze her every day. C’Asia truly has a passion working with kids and has known ever since she was young that this is what she wanted to do. Outside of her work day, she is in school working to learn more and is completing the 40 hours of training to become a Registered Behavior Technician. She has found that this learning has impacted her work daily in a positive way as she is able to utilize the skills she is learning. C’Asia shared that she hopes to continue her growth and become a teacher someday. She said she likes working at Village because of the family connection. She shared that she has never worked in a setting as big as Village School that is so close knit. Everyone is warm and inviting and is there for each other. Outside of work, C’Asia likes to shop, eat, and read. When asked what advice she would give others who want to work in this field, she shared that you have to bring your best self to work each day and that your actions speak louder than your words. She also shared that the students will respond to your energy (“If you are good, then they are good”). C’Asia, the students definitely positively respond to you! Thank you for being a great example of what it means to Show Your Village PRIDE!
Posted 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Today staff were treated to breakfast from The Tasty Yolk truck to kick their Friday off! It was our final surprise for Staff Appreciation Week. We are so glad to have had an opportunity to celebrate our hard working staff all week. Thank you to everyone who helped make this week possible. Our staff are truly un-BEE-lievable.
Posted 2 months, 5 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Allyson Winzer, Speech and Language Pathologist at ACES Village School and this week’s Village Staff Connection. Allyson is known and recognized for her laughter, positive attitude, dedication to her students, creativity in service delivery, and her ability to lead a dynamic Speech Department as the ACES Internal Department Chair for Speech and Language. Allyson has been working as an SLP at Village School since 2014. She is completing her 10th year at ACES this school year! Allyson always knew she wanted to work in Special Education which eventually led her to finding the importance of Speech Pathology. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of locations but found a passion for the population that is served at Village School. She finds it rewarding to be able to help students find their voice and change their lives in that process. Allyson loves what she does and she works to support the future generation of Speech Pathologists by taking graduate students on a regular basis. She feels it is important to help foster and development the next generation of professionals. Allyson encourages everyone to consider the field of Speech Pathology as there is something for everyone to enjoy within the field. Outside of work Allyson enjoys spending time with her family and chauffeuring her children to their various activities. She also enjoys reading and going to the beach. Thank you, Allyson, for being a shining example of what it means to Show your Village PRIDE! We are grateful to have you on our team.
Posted 2 months, 5 days ago
Today kicks off Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! There is no denying the staff at Village School are the best around. They work tirelessly every day to help the students achieve and meet success in all areas. The Village administration and PTO have planned several things to help show the Village staff how un-BEE-lievable we think they are! 🐝💙
The reveal of a revitalization of the staff lounge kicked off our week! The space may be small but it is what we have currently and provides a place for staff to take their breaks during the day. Administration made it a comfy place and stocked it with an ice machine, coffee machines, and of course snacks, coffee, candy and even some books.
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
Thank you to everyone who supported the Bake Sale yesterday to raise funds for the ASRC Walk for Autism on May 19th. We raised $400 yesterday towards our fundraising efforts. Please consider donating to the ASRC Walk and support Team ACES in raising funds for this wonderful organization. You can do that by clicking here:
https://p2p.onecause.com/walk2024/team/aces-diversity-2
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connection: Stephanie Cozzolino (ABAT) has been selected as this week's Village Staff Connection. Stephanie has been an ABAT in the EIBI program at Village School for the past three years. Prior to working here, Stephanie worked at Chili’s in East Haven as the kitchen manager. During her time there she had opportunities to volunteer with the Special Olympics and worked with adults with disabilities who worked at Chili’s through supported employment agencies. Stephanie found that she really enjoyed working with this population and helping others. She determined that a change in her career path was what she needed! Since starting here, Stephanie is recognized by her colleagues for her work ethic, commitment to the students and colleagues, flexibility, and her compassion for all she works with. Stephanie noted that she loves being able to see a change in the students and know that she has had an impact in that change. She loves giving the students the love and attention they need and making them happy and achieving their goals. This is what drives her to come to work daily and also drover her to return to school. Stephanie is currently enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Goodwin College having found a passion for the work that OTs in the school setting do. She shared that through conversations with Patty Ryan-Haag, Stephanie made the decision to return to school for this purpose and she looks forward to completing her degree and working with students in that role. Outside of work and school, Stephanie enjoys going on hikes with her dog, checking out new restaurants, and sitting by the fire listening to music. Stephanie, thank you for all you do for our students and program. Your smile, positive attitude, and dedication is a wonderful example of what it means to show your PRIDE behavior!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago
Congratulations to Priscilla Remington who has been selected as the ACES Teacher of the Year! This past Friday, Dr. Danehy and the ACES ELC members surprised Priscilla with the announcement that she had been selected as the recipient of this year’s honor from a highly qualified and deserving pool of nominees from across all ACES schools.
Priscilla is completing her 38th year at ACES Village School. While completing her degree in Special Education, Priscilla worked as an aide in Karen Martin’s classroom before graduating and moving into a Special Education Teaching position the following year. Priscilla shares that she would have never worked at ACES if it were not for her sister, Bridget. Throughout her years at Village School, Priscilla has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues. She has a strong sense of dedication to the students, commitment to excellence, and growth mindset that has led her to a successful career.
Congratulations Priscilla on this well deserved recognition!
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Congratulations to the ACES Village staff who ran the Julia’s Run for Children 5K today. Julia's Run for Children celebrates the legacy of Julia Rusinek who dedicated her summers and her free time to working with (or on behalf of) underprivileged children. All proceeds from the event is going to benefit the LEAP program in New Haven.
This group of Village Staff completed a Couch to 5K program over the past month which was spearheaded and led by Mimi Washington (ABAT). Congratulations to all!!
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Asia Barnes, Individual Aide in Room 19 (Ms. Angela’s room). Asia was nominated by her colleagues for the work she does not only with her assigned student but with all the students in the classroom. She is always willing to help in the classroom, goes above and beyond to assist everyone, and works to bring balance in the learning environment. Asia has been working as an Individual Aide at Village School for 3 years and she loves what she does. She shared that she is passionate about helping and impacting this community. Growing up, Asia was surrounded by family members who worked in this field with both her mother and her brother working in a group home setting. Asia found that she enjoyed interacting with the clients her mother and brother worked with and she began working with kids at a young age through the Boys and Girls Club. Eventually, Asia found herself working in a group home environment as well; however, her desire to work with children drove her to join the ACES team. When speaking with her, you can see that she loves the children and her ability to make an impact. Outside of work, Asia is a loving mother to two daughters and a 3-month-old puppy. Her days are filled with taking her children to dance, shopping and going to the park. Asia, thank you for your dedication, commitment, and excellence that you demonstrate daily. Thank you for being a great example of what it means to have Village PRIDE!
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Today is Administrative Professional's Day. Please join us in celebrating our office staff, Sallie and Mary. Mary joined our Village team in November of this school year. Sallie has been part of the Village family since 1987 and for the past 36 years she has been working hard each day showing her Village Pride! These two phenomenal women are the true backbone of Village School. They are the first voice and face that greets everyone as they enter the school. They are multitasking experts who thrive in the chaotic office environment. They are also the favorite people of many of our students who look forward to coming to visit them during the day. They have all the answers and when they don't they know where to find you the answer. They work together to maintain an orderly work environment that serves to support all staff, students, families, district representatives, transportation providers, and much more. Without them our school would not be as successful as it is. We are so grateful for all that they do each and every day.
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Village Staff Connection: This week’s Village Staff Connection is someone who is the definition of patience and kindness. Meet Becky Kerzner, ABA Trainer in Room 20 (Ms. Cindy and Ms. Angela). Becky has been working at Village school for 5 years. She started as an Individual Aide in the integrated pre-school program before switching to ABA Trainer in EIBI. Becky has been recognized by countless staff for her patience, her sense of humor, her dedication, and the manner in which she always treats all students and staff with kindness and respect. There is no doubt that the students love her and she loves the students! In speaking with Becky, she shared that she enjoys the work because she can see the difference she is making when she works with the students. She feels the connection she has with the students and she knows that what is happening here matters. For Becky it is all about the kids. This job is very rewarding and she doesn’t see herself doing anything else that would be as meaningful. Outside of work, Becky enjoys her quiet time at home. She loves to read and watch Netflix. For anyone looking to come work at Village School, Becky would advise them that every day is different and a new opportunity. She says that being open and patient is the key to success. Thank you Becky for all that you do to make Village School a great place to be! We appreciate you showing your Village PRIDE each day!
Posted 3 months, 3 days ago
Don’t miss out on ordering the 23-24 School Yearbook!
Posted 3 months, 5 days ago
The students and staff of Village School enjoyed learning and watching about the solar eclipse together yesterday. We hope everyone took an opportunity to see this amazing sight!
Posted 3 months, 6 days ago
Village Staff Connection: Meet Michele Crumb, Special Education teacher in Room 6 at Village School. Michele has been recognized by several colleagues and staff in the school as someone who goes above and beyond every day for the students. Michele is known as a “workaholic” and is often the last one in the building each day. Her co-lead, Seth Mulhall (BCBA) shared that he has learned a great deal from her leadership and she is a great partner in the classroom. Michele joined the Village School team two years ago after having worked for over 20 years in another Special Education facility. She shared that she loves teaching at Village and is glad that she made the decision to come here. Michele has always known she wanted to be a special education teacher. She found a passion in working with students who are trying hard to communicate what they need and she has a passion to find the way to support them and individualize the approach for each student. Michele strives to help the students gain lifelong skills and independence to assist them as they become young adults. Michele also holds her BCBA which has broadened her perspective on the field. She shares that the team perspective and approach to the work here at Village School has been something that she has appreciated and found to be successful for kids. Outside of work, Michele is as active as she is at work. She is someone who enjoys working with her hands and is currently working on the construction of a new house through actually participating in the building and construction. She is the proud parent of three children and her eldest daughter just got engaged! She is also a new puppy mom! Michele, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families on a daily basis. Your dedication to excellence is felt by all who interact with you.
Posted 3 months, 1 week ago
Village Staff Connections: Meet Cristina Goncalves, Teacher Assistant Driver in Room 24 (Ms. Judy). From the moment Cristina started at Village School at the end of October, she immediately had a positive impact on the students at Village School. Cristina was nominated by many staff who have had the opportunity to work alongside her and recognize her dedication, ability to take initiative, her work ethic, and her heart for the students of Village School. In speaking with Cristina, she shared that she was seeking a job that allowed her to work with children and use her experience from being a mother and grandmother to make an impact. She is grateful to have found that environment and feels that her assigned classroom is her “calling”. She said that she enjoys the students and all that they are able to achieve. Cristina recognizes that the students can do great things if we give them the support in reaching those goals and hold them to high expectations. Cristina said that finding ways to assist them in expanding their abilities through whatever means necessary is fascinating to her. She loves to explore different ways to help the children express themselves such as using eye gaze, switches, art, and more. Through watching the growth the students make it has helped her to grow as a person as well. Growing up in Portugal with two sisters, Cristina identifies the love that she was raised with and that is what she brings to work each day with her. She enjoys staying active by doing a lot of things including kick boxing. Cristina is also an avid reader and a family woman who enjoys spending lots of time with her family. Cristina, thank you for all that you do each day to show your Village PRIDE and ensure that our program meets the needs of all of our students.
Posted 3 months, 2 weeks ago