Each Friday we are introducing one of our outstanding Osprey faculty/staff members. This week we are pleased to introduce Ms. Gallick, a 7th grade language arts teacher.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Answer: I finished my Master of Education degree in Special Education in 2015. I went to school full-time, worked full-time, and was a single-parent to my daughter with disabilities. It was a challenge, but my daughter inspired me each step of the way as she is what sparked my interest in special education.
Who was your favorite teacher?
Answer: This is such a hard question as I loved so many of my teachers. Miss Ganary, my 2nd grade teacher at Ft. Pierce Elementary is in the top three for sure. She was such a kind and gentle woman. Also both Mr. and Mrs. Huie from Westwood influenced me greatly in my choice to study English in college and to become an ELA teacher.
Tell us about your family.
Answer: I adopted my daughter in April of 2013 when she was 16 years old. We met when she was 15. I have a younger brother and sister, two nephews, a niece and many cousins. My parents still live in the house in Ft. Pierce we moved into when we moved here from New York when I was five – 41 years ago!
Do you have any pets?
Answer: I have a rescued pit-mix named Abi. She is the sweetest thing in the world. My boyfriend has two Sulcata tortoises named Cecil and Turtle.
Before working at Oak Hammock, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Answer: I lived in Bosnia for six years and Croatia for one after the Balkan war as a missionary/humanitarian aid worker. I taught English to government officials, taught cooking and craft classes for women, taught Bible studies, and was just a friend to whomever needed one. I love Bosnia and cannot wait to go back and visit all my friends there.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Oak Hammock, whose job would you want?
Answer: My heart’s desire is to be a special education teacher. I would love to one day have the same job as Ms. Kohr or Mrs. Ash and to specifically help students with disabilities.
What were you like in school?
Answer: I did very well in school, rarely making below a B. However, I could not stop talking to save my life. I was the biggest talker in all my classes, usually ending up sitting by the teacher’s desk… I don’t know how my teachers put up with me.
Do you have a favorite quote?
Answer:
What do you fear, lady?” Aragorn asked.
“A cage,” Éowyn said. “To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
Answer: Bosnia – it’s so beautiful. Sarajevo and Zenica are my favorite cities. The people are wonderful and the food is amazing. I’ve been to 27 countries, so it’s hard to pick just one. I am going to Egypt in the spring. I am very excited about my upcoming trip!
You’re happiest when?
Answer: My family and friends are happy and content.
Check back next week when we introduce you to another Outstanding Osprey Educator!