Machesney Park Teacher’s Compassion is Transforming Families

97ZOK Teacher of the Week

Carrie Colvin is such a kind and thoughtful educator. She’s part of Harlem’s birth-3 Prevention Initiative Program. This program works with families in the Harlem district and host play groups, field trips, help connect families with any services/resources they may benefit from, host support groups, and have in home activities. Carrie was our family’s Parent Educator. Our son, Brogan, can take quite a while to warm up to someone new. Carrie was always kind and let Brogan take the lead as to not overwhelm him. She quickly became one of his favorites!

 

Throughout our time in the program, Carrie was an invaluable part of our “village”. Brogan has support needs and Carrie was always so wonderful in offering encouragement and guidance in helping us navigate how best to help him. When Brogan turned 3 and aged out of the program, that didn’t stop her from continuing to help him. Pre k was quite a transition for him, and Carrie went out of her way to help him feel comfortable and not alone. She took her time to walk him into school when he was struggling in the beginning. She helped us figure out a game plan on how to ease his anxiety at the beginning of the school year. She was a friendly face to help him feel less anxious. This didn’t just help Brogan, but also meant the world to my husband and me.

The entire birth-3 program at Parker Center is such an asset to the families in the district. I have 2 friends who have also enrolled their families in the program and have had wonderful experiences as well. Carrie is so deserving of recognition for all her hard work and caring for all the families she serve!

Design by Steve Shannon

As Teacher of the Week, Ms. Carrie was surprised by Dave Alan and Emily from the Steve Shannon Show with a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes and money to spend at WM Day Spa Salon.

You can nominate your favorite teacher HERE. Click HERE to see past Teachers of the Week.