Spotlight on Support Staff

March Spotlight 

on Support Staff:

“It shouldn’t matter how long it takes a child to learn, as long as we are encouraging them not to stop.”  ~Robert John Meehan

 

 Carrie Haugan is in her second year as an elementary special education paraprofessional. Carrie grew up in the Clearbrook area and graduated from Clearbrook-Gonvick High School.  Currently, she lives in the Pinewood area, with her husband Darrick, and kids, Bailey, Avery, and Elias. 

Why did you choose to work at Clearbrook-Gonvick?  I discovered a love for working with kids doing photography and it seemed a good fit when my kids were all in school.  The wonderful ECFE/School Readiness program at the Clearbrook-Gonvick School led us to choose this school for our kids and ultimately led to my employment here.   

What did you do before coming to Clearbrook-Gonvick?  I was a medical transcriptionist and also had my photography business.  

What is the best part of your job at Clearbrook-Gonvick?  I love working with the kids.  Seeing a kid’s face light up when they finally figure something out for the first time is a wonderful thing.    

What is the biggest challenge of your job?  Seeing kids struggle when you are trying so hard to help them succeed and finding new ways to accommodate for different learning styles when one way isn’t working.  

If you could have any job in the world - what would it be? Why?  I haven’t figured this one out yet.  Unless you count being a mom. The day I became a mom I knew that was the one thing I was meant to be in this life.  I’ve never felt that way about anything else. 

What do you do when you are not working at the school?  I love being at home with my family.  We have a hobby farm with goats and a dog.  I also have a photography business, which keeps me very busy.   

The month of March brings in the first day of spring. What part of spring is your favorite?  I love when the trees get buds and flowers start popping up.  Being outside without a coat! 

What are your favorite aspects of the Clearbrook-Gonvick community?  It feels like home.  There is always a friendly face and a welcome wherever you go.    

And now a word or two about Carrie from the students and staff that work with her…

“Carrie is so professional, always has a happy hello and a smile on her face!” “Carrie is a really kind person who is great person at the Clearbrook-Gonvick school.  Thanks Carrie!” “Carrie is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is always smiling and puts a smile on your face. We are lucky to have her as an asset in our school.” “She has a willingness to help out in any way and has the students best interest at heart.” “I have had the pleasure of Carrie working in my room for a couple of years now, and I love having her with us! She is great with the students and all while being so silent that you hardly know she is there!” “Carrie always has a smile for everyone. She has such a positive attitude!” “Carrie is a natural at her job. She is caring, knowledgeable, creative, understanding, flexible, funny, genuinely kind, honest, and hard working. Carrie can be found looking for things to keep busy if she ever has a second to spare. Carrie is able to meet the needs of our students and brings out the best of their abilities, all while putting a smile on their faces. Carrie invests the time and energy needed to help students feel valued and successful in their daily encounters and expectations. Our students and staff are lucky to have Carrie be a part of our world.” “Carrie is a very kind and helpful co-worker she is alway there to help me out and jump in where she is need she has a huge heart and alway a big smile I am very blessed to be working with such a positive person” “Carrie is a great co-worker who truly enjoys her job and all of the students she works with. She is an awesome member of the Clearbrook-Gonvick Staff.”