The Boston Marathon has always been a part of my life.  It started from watching the iconic race as a little girl in Natick to watching it with my own three children now. I have cheered on and supported numerous friends and family members.  Since middle school and high school working with children and running have played a significant role in my life.  I knew as a young child that I wanted to be a teacher.  As I got older, I started babysitting and my passion to work with children and help them succeed grew.  I ran track in high school and my love and need for running grew as well.

Today, I am a kindergarten teacher and have been for 12 years.  I have also continued to keep running in my life.  I work with children with and without disabilities in Wellesley and formerly taught in Brookline.  I truly believe that all children have the power to reach their fullest potential.  I strive to help children achieve their goals and feel successful both academically and emotionally.  I have now been given this amazing opportunity to support Special Olympics Massachusetts by running the Boston Marathon.  This is a charity that believes in children, just like I do. Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round training, athletic competition, and other health-related programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state.  One of the things I love most about this charity’s mission is that it focuses on what the athlete can do rather than what the athlete can’t do.  It involves and includes everyone.  This parallels my work in the classroom for all of my students.  Inclusion has always been part of my work in teaching.    

Special Olympics Massachusetts has a Young Athletes program for children age two to seven with intellectual disabilities. This program provides an early introduction to the world of Special Olympics and helps children not only learn new skills but have fun – another parallel that stands true for me. These types of programs allow families to come together and to see the children’s early potential with Special Olympics. Games and competitions unite communities and help children shine. Please consider supporting Special Olympics Massachusetts with me and let’s applaud children for all of their capabilities!