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March 7 was Employee Appreciation Day, but we’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Kania Terry, a Special Education Teacher at our Rivermont Hampton campus. 

What is your favorite thing about working here?   

I love the kids! They remind me that while I might be a small part of their journey. I’m a stepping-stone in helping them be better than they were the previous day.  

What keeps you coming to work each day?  

The ability to show my creativity. I’ve done similar jobs where I’ve worked with children, but I haven’t found a position where I’ve been able to let my creativity sparkle. Also, I love my kids, and I miss them when I’m away too long. They keep me busy and on my toes.  

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?  

I’m a mother figure to a lot of my students; I wipe away tears, I have high expectations for who they are individually, and I’ve built a special connection with each of them. My students can come and tell me anything and they know I’ll be there for them. I’m honest, but fair and I work my hardest to ensure they feel heard and valued. I’m also the school’s activities planner, so I help organize different events throughout the year to keep up student morale.  

Which one of our BetterTogether values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)  

Supportive is the value I resonate with most. I left a job where I made more money because I didn’t feel supported. I believe loneliness is mentally draining, especially in this field. Dealing with paperwork, behaviors, and clients/parents can make you stuck in a cycle of mental strain, and when you don’t have anyone to connect with those feelings, things are worse.  

At Rivermont, I’ve built another family. I have people I can confide in, people I can trust, and people who share similar experiences. That’s why I work so hard to be there for others, I know what it feels like to be alone in this field and while rewarding, it’s draining. At Rivermont, even when I’ve had a hard day, I can feel a sense of relief because I can confide in my team and know that they truly understand.  

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?  

I start my day by handing out food to my students. I teach primary and we have some class pets -- a bunny named Jasper, and a guinea pig named Mushroom. They’re great calming tools for different students throughout the building as they enjoy spending time with them. Then, I’ll prepare for the students’ arrival by attending meetings, printing paperwork, and ensuring the class is ready for their arrival. Then, I greet each student as I collect phone calls in the morning before starting my day with my class. Throughout the day, I’m teaching and playing with my students. I play the role of caregiver, coach, teacher, judge, and friend as I help my students with whatever challenges that are ahead of us. When I have a free moment, you’ll usually find me completing other duties, such as organizing school events or checking in on other students throughout the school whenever I’m passing through the hallways. Towards the end of the day, I return to my bus duties and give students their phones as they dismiss.  

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?  

I’ve always worked with kids as I’m the oldest of four, so I spent a lot of time watching younger siblings and cousins. As I grew up, I realized I wanted to be a therapist. I attended James Madison University where I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology. While there, I worked in residential and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Behavioral Technician.  

Once I graduated, I worked on earning my Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Counseling certification and I quickly realized I only wanted to work with children. I struggled to find a job where I felt supported. I love my creativity and before Rivermont, I was in a position where I felt alone. I felt like I didn’t have a support system and that made me feel as if my work didn’t matter. While I know I helped my clients, I was struggling with the feeling as if I wasn’t doing enough. One day, I was at one of my client’s schools and I realized how public schools struggle with behavior management. I finally took the step to search for other jobs in the Norfolk, VA area, when I found out about Rivermont Schools. I applied and Dr. Spady called me in for a tour and interview. The rest was history. I’ve worked at Rivermont Schools since December 2022.  

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role?  

I have two, one behavioral and one educational.  

Last year when I first started teaching, I had a student who was considered non-verbal and wasn’t potty trained. He refused to complete any work, he hated sitting at his desk, and he had a tantrum anytime he didn’t get his way. While the non-verbal aspect was challenging, I was able to get him to write letters, play with his peers, and ask for the potty within three months of working with him. That made me realize I was making some difference because stepping into the teaching position was terrifying.  

I have a student now who struggles with communication. When he doesn’t get his way or things don’t go the way he expects them to, he will have behaviors (throwing his desk, screaming, cursing, etc.) and recently one day during snack time, he dropped his food on the floor. That would typically be a stressor, but he raised his hand and asked for another snack and cleaned up the mess without any prompts. This was a big accomplishment. I gave him the biggest hug because he struggles to communicate his feelings appropriately and he was one step closer to accomplishing his goals.  

What is something about you that not many people know?  

I’m pretty much an open book but I am the oldest of five sisters and squirrels are my favorite animals.