In almost every corner of Northwest Village School, you’ll see the loving, imaginative creative work of senior paraprofessional, Christine Asal. Colorful bulletin boards, themed prom decorations, door art, a giant schoolwide calendar, and so much more.
Christine’s 20-plus years with Wheeler have taught her as much—if not more—than the lessons she shares with students. She characterizes her work with youth as more of a calling than a job.
“I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Christine, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Quinnipiac University. “This job continues to provide a perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
Christine started her career with Wheeler as a paraprofessional at The Academy, a therapeutic day school in Middletown, which was previously associated with Middlesex Hospital. Here, she worked—on average—with 15 to 20 students, mostly struggling with school anxiety and avoidance, in grades 6 through 12. She moved to Northwest Village School in 2004, where she works in the high school with the juniors, but assists elsewhere as needed, including the library and school store.
“We do all kinds of work here, from building relational skills, to providing in-class help across a range of subjects,” she said.
Christine says that working at Wheeler is among the most rewarding things she’s done.
“Among my favorite aspects of doing this kind of work is when students return to tell us how they’re doing in the world,” she said. “Their lives run the gamut, from graduating four-year colleges, to successful completion of technical schools as well as joining the military or the workforce. It’s wonderful to see them grow and flourish in their lives.”