Emily Gambardella | Forest Elementary School | 3rd Grade Teacher
About: This is my 8th year teaching third grade at Forest Elementary School.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love going to the beach.
Fun Fact: I was born in Chicago and I have a twin brother!
Favorite Quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it." – Walt Disney
What Motivates You to Come to Work Each Day? My students motivate me to come to work every day. They are caring, creative, and clever. I am always amazed by the ideas they come up with. Seeing the growth they make in a short amount of time is what makes teaching truly unique.
What Makes Your School Special to You? We have such an amazing school community at Forest School. Our dedicated staff supports the needs of students, works well together, and helps each other every day.
Cynthia Catapano | Bailey Middle School | Science Teacher
About: I have been teaching at Bailey Middle School for just over three years. I received my M.S. in Biology with the initial goal of working as a field biologist, but after a few substitute teaching jobs at different schools, I discovered my passion for teaching science and went back to school for education.
Hobbies: My favorite places to be are on the beach or in the woods. I love having my hands in the soil gardening, and I enjoy anything and everything to do with wildlife.
Fun Fact: I live-trapped and studied bats (and a caiman) in Belize. I also live-trapped and held a native bobcat while volunteering for CT DEEP.
Favorite Quote: "We don't have to agree on anything to be kind to one another."
What Motivates You to Come to Work Each Day? The enthusiasm that my English-Language Learner students have to come to school every day and to learn. Additionally, it is very rewarding to engage my students in a field they might otherwise shy away from.
What Makes Your School Special to You? The teachers and entire Bailey family are what stand out the most to me. I would not be able to get by without their advice, support, and encouragement.