Welcome to Our New TQS Employees

Dear Families: 

“The simple act of caring is heroic.” – Edward Albert

This past week, I had the privilege of spending the day with an inspiring group of professionals. These dedicated individuals are at the top of their fields, care deeply about children with complex challenges, and share our commitment to TQS’s unique and life-changing mission. 

The best part? These professionals are now all part of our TQS family. 

Yes, the event I’m referring to was TQS New Faculty Orientation. (I know, it’s hard to believe the school year is so close to beginning!) During orientation, we brought our evidence-based programs to life by modeling them for new faculty using the same experiential learning approach we use with our students. TQS’s newest members spent four days training, learning, and getting to know the school, leadership, and each other. 

One of the highlights? When all new faculty, upon walking in on their first day, were greeted by a smiling Head of School wearing a fish costume. 

Yes, a fish costume. Why? For one, this year’s prom theme is Under The Sea … and well, no sense in waiting until May to break out that gem of an outfit. But another (more important) reason, is that it demonstrated our “Positive Greetings At The Door” program, which TQS developed with Harvard’s Dr. Robert Brooks – a leading speaker and author on the themes of resilience, motivation, school climate, a positive work environment, and family relationships. 

Dr. Brooks taught TQS faculty that a significant predictor of success for students with special needs is a meaningful relationship with a charismatic adult. This daily door greeting is part of that relationship building. 

During breaks, the new faculty experimented with sensory equipment – just as TQS students get sensory breaks during the day. New faculty also had a blast learning about TQS’s research-based social skills intervention Playworks by playing Playworks games during the get-to-know-you icebreaker. 

It was a fun, informative, exciting time for all. But who are these wonderful new people who will be working with your students? Let’s meet them: 

• Meghan Muth, who worked as a TQS substitute teacher for the last two years, is teaching in the Upper School. Meghan believes “teaching is a collaborative effort between the teacher and students; working together as a team.”
• Ashley Johnson is the school's new Assistant Business Manager. She enjoys baking and crafting, and she believes TQS students will change the world.
• Cheryl Edwards is our new Upper School Math teacher. She earned a BS in Zoology from the University of Rhode Island and an MA in Mathematics Education from New Jersey City University. She has worked as a learning specialist, educator, and swim coach.
• Emily Reilly is TQS's new Occupational Therapist. This is a new position and TQS is thrilled to expand our Clinical Services team. Emily has a BS in Health Sciences from Duquesne University and an MS in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University. She previously worked at Theraplay providing therapeutic services for students.
• Jeff Zschunke was a 1:1 support staff for TQS last year. He loved the community so much and impressed all of us, and he will be teaching in our Upper School. He has a BS in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University and worked as a teacher in the Hatboro/Horsham school district.
• Melissa Ouellette was a 1:1 support staff for TQS this past year and is moving to Educational Assistant. She has a BS in Elementary Education from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She worked at SPIN and Montessori Children's House, as well as past work as a Human Resources professional.

I cannot wait to introduce you to them all in person when school begins on September 5 – although I can’t promise you a glimpse at the fish costume until May. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we will see you back on campus soon! 

Shine on,

Alex