Faculty Testimonials

"Students aren’t the only ones who come to Monarch to learn, I discovered soon after arriving. With my long history of research, clinical assessment, and therapeutic support with a wide variety of people with developmental challenges, I did not realize the depth and reach of new learning I would need to acquire to provide truly innovative services to our students and Diagnostic Clinic clients. Much like it does for its student population, Monarch gave me the opportunity to acquire new learning in an atmosphere where it was safe to try out emerging skills and to develop new ones. The team approach used to ensure that our therapeutic and educational efforts are well-targeted also provided me with a mechanism for gathering feedback from my colleagues about my own progress toward attaining professional goals. This kind of support has made me a much better clinician, not to mention a better person. There is no question but that Monarch has made a huge difference in my life and career, and I constantly strive to reflect that excellence in everything I do."
- Bryant Shaw, Ph.D., Director of the Diagnostic Clinic

"The students at Monarch have taught me much more than I have taught them. They continually amaze me with their courage and brilliance. And the Monarch philosophy and methodology have truly transformed me as a teacher. When I came to Monarch, it wasn't a paradigm shift- It was a paradigm revolution!"
- John Barone, Director of Communications

" It’s a great feeling to witness some of the incredible transformations happening at Monarch. To be a part of this organization is extremely rewarding."
- Kyle Nguyen, Director of Technology

"What drives me to work at Monarch each day is simple—the students. These are the most outstanding young people I have had the privilege to know. Every day they work to accomplish tasks that may seem easy for most but can be a struggle for many of these special people. Their fortitude and perseverance is a life lesson for all. My life has been blessed by these students and what they have taught me in a short period of time is a precious gift."
- Kipp Baxter, Director of Development

“I am consistently amazed at the tremendous dedication of The Monarch School community, namely the parents, students, and of course, the faculty. What a joyful place to work! Since we have been at our new campus all under one roof, I have witnessed the synergies of the school functioning as a whole like never before. The younger students really benefit from observing and learning from the older students in Life Academy. I have especially enjoyed getting to know the faculty and students of the Novice and Apprentice Level at weekly Greenstones’ ceremonies, and experiencing the boundless energy of Sharon Duval’s DIR® therapy sessions next door to my office. She works wonders with the students, and I often wish I could play in her room too! Having been at Monarch for two years now, I have noticed marked improvement in our students from year to year, with better regulation, greater confidence and improved EF skills. This speaks volumes for our faculty. I look forward to Monarch’s exciting future!”
- Jennifer Arnold, Business Manager

“I truly feel like Monarch is an extended family. The time taken to be a community as a faculty I think is the secret ingredient that empowers us to impact the kids. It makes it so much more natural to teach these concepts to the kids when we are living it.”
- Scott Nipper (former Monarch teacher)