Mrs. Van Guilder and Mrs. Serra - Autistic Support Teachers
Gina Van Guilder - K-2 Autism Support Teacher I was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing sports, cheering on the Eagles, hiking, going to the beach, and spending time with my family. In October of 2017, I married my wife, on the beach, in Ocean City, New Jersey. We currently live with our dog, Kona and are expecting our first child. My undergraduate degree is in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Kutztown University. Shortly after, I received my Master’s degree in Recreation Therapy/Child Life. Prior to starting at Greenfield, I was the Autism Support teacher at SPIN for 4 years. Teaching is truly my passion and I look forward to coming to work every day. |
Jacqueline Serra, 3-5 Autistic Support Teacher I was born in Germany and resided there until I was nine. I was raised bilingually; speaking English at home and German during the day. When I was nine, my family moved to Geneva, Switzerland. I attended the International School of Geneva where students came from over 100 countries. I appreciate being in a classroom where English was not the mother tongue of the majority of the students. Having been educated in such a microcosm of cultures and having friends from all sorts of background different than my own has broadened my understanding and appreciation of different cultures and different beliefs. The reason I chose to be a teacher is not because I love to teach, but because I want to make a difference in the lives of others. My goal is to positively influence each student that crosses my educational path. Teaching means making my students an active part of the learning process, discovering knowledge rather than simply absorbing it. I believe that a “teacher” has been given a gift and opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and sometimes even parents, thus impacting the fabric of the entire community . Teaching is a privileged position that demands humility as much as respect. It is crucial that teachers recognize the power inherent in their role and are self-reflective about their actions. On a personal level, I come from a family of educators. My Mother, grandmother, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-grandmother were educators. I am married and have a daughter, Mia and a son, Tristan. Working with individuals on the autism spectrum is actually quite personal for me. My brother in law, Victor, is on the spectrum. I had the privilege to move him from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia, after my mother in law passed away. Having someone in my own family with a disability has opened up a whole new perspective on the impact this has on the family fabric. I am very grateful; to see the way my husband interacts with his brother and be able to understand what autism means outside of the classroom and in your own home. Check out my blog |
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Mrs. Brintnall - Speech Therapist
Don't be fooled by her laid back midwest nature. She will find a way to communicate, engage and bring out the best in each student.