Caroline works with our Therapeutic Day School students as a Paraprofessional. A paraprofessional’s primary role is to provide instructional support and non-instructional services to students who may require individualized support to reach their full potential.
Caroline has been with UCP-Center for Disability Services for 43 years. She says her favorite thing about her job is when someone accomplishes something new, as well as the comradery with other staff. Caroline says, “I love that “We are a family” feeling. I know that we are always there for each other, and will always help each other.” Caroline initially found out about the position when she was teaching a neighbor of hers to ride a bike. Someone who worked with the Channahon School District then referred her to a colleague who also happened to be on the Board of Directors here at UCP.
Caroline says she likes to help others and stay busy to help motivate herself at work. Jennifer Grau, Director of School Services says, “Caroline’s dedication, love for our students, and passion for what she does is an inspiration to our entire staff. We are so grateful to have amazing people like Caroline work at our school and support our students.”
Caroline says her biggest inspiration is a fellow staff member with whom she works together with closely. She says “This person works hard every day to provide the best learning environment for all of us.” Caroline says she grew up on a farm 30 miles south of Effingham, IL, and the farm life combined with her years at UCP have helped shaped her into who she is today. She says, “I am a better person because of these experiences.”
Caroline is extremely loved and revered by all of our students and staff. She has made a lasting impact at our school just by doing what she does every day. Her quiet dedication to our students is an amazing example of how she supports our mission every day, and we are so proud to have her as a staff member.
To learn more about what our Paraprofessionals do, or to get involved, please visit our website at ucp-cds.org
