Catherine Dawn Gonsalve

Dawn began her teaching career about 3-4 years ago as a kindergarten teacher. Not only did she pour her heart and soul into making sure ‘her kids’ were given the best possible educational opportunities, working diligently and patiently with anyone having difficulties in the classroom. Their physical and emotional needs are also important to her. She has taken her own money and bought clothes and shoes for some of the children in her class whose clothes and shoes were too small. She has provided food for one of ‘her kids’ who were living out of a car. During her hours away from the classroom, she worries about their well-being. Praise and reassurance for her students are common practices in her classroom. Not only does she bring her educational skills to the classroom, she also brings a friend and mentor for the students; someone who they find they can trust and depend on for their needs.