I am a Residential Coordinator here at CATS Academy. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, I’ve also had the opportunity to call many different places home through years of traveling and embracing new experiences.
Today, I’m happy to call CATS Academy Boston, especially Kennedy Dorm, my home, where I have the privilege of supporting students in an environment centered on education, growth, and community.
Throughout my early adult life, I worked with students through mentorship programs, which I found to be incredibly rewarding. Although this is my first role in residential life, it has been an eye-opening experience that has challenged me to grow through new experiences and obstacles every day.
To me, the foundation of a strong residential community is built on empathy, respect, accountability, and open communication. I believe that when students feel heard and valued, they’re more confident in building meaningful relationships and supporting one another.
I love working with students, and it’s important to me to lead with empathy and compassion. As someone who also attended boarding school, I understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a new environment far from home. I strive to keep an open mind and approach each student with patience and kindness because we never truly know what someone may be experiencing mentally, socially, or physically.
In the dorms, I enjoy connecting with students by learning about their hobbies and interests and finding ways to encourage their personal growth while helping create a safe and supportive community. I believe it’s important to be thoughtful and responsible while also making room for fun and meaningful connections.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new interests and staying creative. Art has been a meaningful part of my life for the past eight years, especially photography and collage. Whether it’s a freelance project or a commissioned opportunity, I enjoy every chance I get to create. Music is another passion of mine, and I occasionally DJ for friends and family, though I’m not quite a mixing master… yet! Whether I’m creating art, listening to music, traveling, reading, hiking, or simply trying something new, I value experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
I will end with a quote from one of my favorite authors, James Baldwin:
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then
you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things
that connected me with all the people who were alive, and who had ever been alive.”
