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Staff Spotlight
Tracy Chretien
Classroom Therapeutic Aide
Tracy has been a Classroom Therapeutic Aide at Pacekids since 2019 and is known by her peers to always put in a full day of hard work with a full heart supporting children with diverse needs in the classroom.
When in your life did you know you wanted to work with children with diverse needs?
I have always been drawn to people with diverse needs. My parents supported a young man with Down syndrome as I was growing up. He became like another brother to me – he even was an usher at my wedding. I remember being friends with the ‘different’ kids at school, so it’s just been part of my life all along.
Did anything or anyone specifically motivate you to work with children with diverse needs?
Nothing specific. I feel like I just fell into this line of work. I have so much fun with these kids. And I learn from them too even though I’m supposed to be the one teaching them.
Can you give a brief description of the work you do every day?
Each day is so different, which is something I love about the job. I play a lot. Going to the jungle gym with my class is a ton of fun. I try to help the kiddos reach some goals – from learning how to use scissors, participating in circle time, to helping with potty training.
What is your favorite thing about working with children?
I have two favorite things: The amount they make me laugh definitely makes up for the unavoidable challenges throughout the day; and, watching them achieve their goals. Knowing that I was a small part in getting them there fills my heart.
Have you learned anything about yourself, or life in general, because of your job?
I have learned that life is what you make it. Everything is a choice starting with our attitudes and perceptions. These kids have limitations but live with such motivation and freedom.
If everyone in Calgary were listening to you all at once, what is one thing you would like them to know about children with diverse needs?
They’re smarter than you think!
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