Once a month we will feature a new teacher here on the website. Get to know some of our new teachers, and learn something new about the veterans.

About you: Kristen Smith

Where are you from? Needham, MA

 Any siblings? One older brother, Greg

How do you de-stress? Anything outside …running, walking in the woods, biking, but when it’s really cold I just do yoga.

Tell us about your education? I went to Needham High and then the University of Vermont. I graduated in 2016 and I’m looking to go back for grad school.

Before working at LEAP, what other jobs did you have? In college I tutored other undergrads and worked as an English Language Learning teaching assistant at a local elementary school for refugee children. I thought I wanted to go into journalism after college so I had an internship with National Geographic in DC, but I quickly realized that the office lifestyle was not for me. After DC I worked at an eating disorder and mental health hospital to get a sense of working in a hospital setting, but that was much too stressful for me. Now I’m here!

 Fun Fact about yourself? I was born on St. Patrick’s Day.

What are your long-term career goals and aspirations? I’m pretty into yoga and wellbeing, so I’d like to create or work at a health and wellbeing program at a university. UVM just created a huge wellness program that has sparked a lot of student and national interest; I loved UVM so maybe I’ll end up back there. 

At LEAP:

Tell us about your role and position at LEAP? I’m in the Big Kids’ Room!

What about LEAP made you want to work here in the first place? Without a doubt…Katie!!

What is your proudest memory at LEAP? I loved seeing the kids’ dedication and creativity when they made their gingerbread houses. Even though we had a hard time making the pieces stick together, many of them would not give up. There were also some pretty beautiful houses, so that was cool to see their artistic side come out.

What is your favorite activity at LEAP? Window art

Rapid Fire Favorites:

Quote: A ship is safe in harbor, but that is not what ships are built for.

Color: Ocean blue/green

Playground activity: Monkey bars

Rainy day activity: Fuse beads

Sport: Soccer

Snack-food: Popcorn

School Subject: English

Animal: Quokkas