SPECIAL EDUCATION

Kimberly Morin

Special Education Teacher, K–4th Grade

Kimberly is a Special Education Teacher with 22 years experience. She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Maine Farmington, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with a science minor. Her graduate studies were completed at the University of Southern Maine, where she received a Master of Science degree in Special Education.

Jessica Shaw

Special Education Teacher, 5th & 6th Grade

This will be my second year teaching at Fiddlehead, but I do bring 16 years of teaching experience to the Fiddlehead’s team. I have taught at Gray New Gloucester Middle School and Gorham Middle School. I also teach various activities at Camp Arcadia, a summer camp in Maine. I attended the University of Maine at Farmington where I earned my B.A. in English. I went on to attend the University of Southern Maine where I earned my M.S. in Special Education.

My goal is to create a learning environment where all students feel safe to wonder and explore their world in meaningful ways. The learning experiences we help create tap into the natural interests and strengths of each child, allowing for all students to learn and grow.

Diane Baker

Special Education Teacher, 7th & 8th Grade

Diane has been working in education, supporting students in a variety of capacities for over 25 years. My core belief is to honor each individual for who they are while supporting them in their learning environment. When I am not at school I like spending time with my grandchildren, at the ocean, or anywhere in nature. I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues and my student’s families to ensure all students feel successful.

Isaac Ives

Special Education Teacher Assistant, 4th & 5th Grade

I have a background working in mental health, as well as with the intellectually/developmentally disabled community. My goal in every position I’ve held has been (and continues to be) to provide the tools for individuals to lead meaningful and successful lives. My favorite parts about teaching are creating connections, sharing experiences and watching and/or facilitating the growth of all of the brilliant people around me.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy reading, playing D&D, spending time in the forest, playing video games, yard games, world building, writing, spending time with friends and family, woodworking, trail running, swimming, and playing music with my band.

As I move into my 3rd year teaching at Fiddlehead, I feel very fortunate to continue to be a part of this amazing community. I hope to help make this experience as joyful and as enriching as it possibly can be for the students, families, faculty, and everyone who is a part of the Fiddlehead community.

India Jenkins

Special Education Teacher Assistant

India is a recent graduate of Casco Bay High School in Portland. She has been a summer camp counselor for two consecutive summers at Camp Beech Cliff in Mount Desert Island, and at Cape Elizabeth Community Services. She is also the older sister to four younger siblings. Her experiences working with young children have been so fulfilling that she is exploring a career in early childhood education.

India’s own early childhood experience occurred in Waldorf education. The beauty and rhythm of this way of education provides a safe and secure environment in which children can grow. Her experiences of seasonally-based activities, artwork, singing in circle time, and outdoor play in all types of weather have inspired her to pass these gifts onto her own students.

India continues to enjoy art, music, and being in nature. In her spare time, she makes drawings out of the soft pastel medium for her younger siblings’ homeschool curriculum. She has sung in girls choirs and played piano for a number of years. Her whole family follows the rhythm of the seasons through the food that they eat and activities that they do together. She has a deep appreciation for spring flowers, especially light pink cherry blossoms and periwinkle hydrangeas.

Aaron Ricardi

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Hello! My name is Aaron Ricardi and I am excited to be part of the Fiddlehead community! I focus on special education in 7th and 8th grade but find myself involved in other aspects of day-to-day learning at Fiddlehead as well. I also will be returning to the after-school music program this year as a guitar teacher. Outside of school I enjoy spending time hiking with my dog or fishing on Sabbathday Lake. If there’s enough snow skiing is always fun too. I’m looking forward to catching up with the old friends and making a few more! I always feel fortunate to be part of a great thing here.

Jennifer Everett

Special Education Teacher Assistant, Pre-K–4th Grade

This fall will mark my 6th year as a Fiddlehead parent with my younger child starting 7th grade and my older child having graduated from 8th grade last year. I have also been a substitute teacher at Fiddlehead for the last two years. I am excited to join the Fiddlehead Special Education team and look forward to supporting and connecting with students to help them have a fun and successful school year!

Cara Smith

Special Education Teacher Assistant

Working with children brings me great joy and is truly my biggest passion. I am looking forward to this school year and being able to be a part of this wonderful community!

Sidney Suarez

Special Education Teacher Assistant, Resource Room

My passion is in supporting children’s social-emotional development and executive functioning skills. I also love reading, being creative through multiple mediums, and enjoying nature. Thank you for the opportunity to be another supportive adult in your child’s life.