Staff Spotlight – Mary Alford

Tell us a little about yourself! What inspired you to become a teacher?

As a teenager, I would babysit for a deaf child who attended Magnolia Speech School and then I did a senior service project in high school where I volunteered at Magnolia and also volunteered there through my church. That’s when I decided that I wanted to help hearing and language disordered children learn to talk and communicate.

What brought you to Magnolia Speech School, and what excites you most about being here?

I actually came to Mrs. Anne Sullivan for a job reference in the public-school setting since she was one of my professors in college and she was director at Magnolia Speech School at the time. She had just been told that if she could find a teacher for a hearing-impaired classroom, that their salary would be covered by their foundation. The timing was perfect for me to start at Magnolia and I have never looked back. I love watching the children blossom in their self-confidence and communication skills!

What is your favorite part of working with our students?

My favorite part of working with the students is to see their progress and see how happy they are to be able to learn and communicate with everyone around them.

What is your go-to coffee (or favorite morning) order?

mocha cappuccino

What is one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

I am number four of nine children in my family and have 17 nieces and nephews.

Outside of the classroom, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

puzzles, watching movies, reading books.

What is one goal you have for this school year?

To see all of my students thrive!