I’m Thankful For You: Miss G
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jenna Newman and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
This November I would like to nominate and honor my son’s preschool teacher, Miss Guerrini, or as we call her, Miss G!
When my son Tommy was born, he had a very hard time breathing on his own and was put on breathing machine. Thankfully, he was only on it for a days and in the NICU for about a week.
Today, Tommy is six years old and is autistic and nonverbal. He loves playing outside, river walking, swimming and collecting rocks and sticks. He loves being outside so much and winters are hard on him. He also loves playing with friends and making other laugh. Which is perfect because his laugh is the absolute best!
We are thankful for Miss G because she never gave up on Tommy! Nor did she every have an issue with his love for sticks and would often send him on stick hunts at recess!
Tommy didn’t find his ‘voice’ until he was in Miss G’s class. She tried many different ways to teach him and always pushed him but also knew when he had enough. She has always said, and continues to tell me, how smart my son is. She helped him learn how to use PECS cards and started teaching him AAC apps! With her help, he started using an iPad (and other devices) to start communicating.
All of the teachers and therapists from his preschool were so helpful and never once acted as if he ‘couldn’t’ do something. They never gave up on him! They continuously said, and still do, that he will get there ‘one day.’ They recognized how smart Tommy is and put their efforts into giving him a voice. With the use of the iPad (we use my first AAC at home and the LAMP app at school) he’s getting more proficient every day!
Miss G is a caring and loving teacher who truly wants the best for my son! She has always been there when I needed her too. Whether it be to help me with home issues or just give me words of encouragement, she was there. She sent him off to a new school with a new teacher and reassured me he would be in good hands. And of course she was right!
She continues to keep in contact with us and is always so happy to hear how good Tommy is doing in school! She made a huge impact on his life!
Miss G loves, cares and believes in all of her students! If every teacher was like Miss. G and her team, the world would be a better place. Thank you Miss G for being there for my son and caring so much about him! You are making such a huge difference in the lives of our kids.
You can still nominate the doctors, therapists, teachers, friends and family that make a difference in your special needs world. Click HERE to learn how!
