Mary Holt

		Mary Holt, Special Education Teacher

Mary Holt grew up in a close-knit Italian American community in Enfield, CT, a suburb of Hartford. She and her two brothers had “the run of the neighborhood” since they were either related to or knew just about everyone, and everyone always knew what they were up to – sound familiar? As an elementary school student in a parochial school, Mary enjoyed helping peers who had difficulty learning or fitting in. She was inspired by two special needs neighbors and became interested in special education when she was a high school student. Mary, and her husband, John, lived in Granby, Ct for thirty years with their sons, J and Christian, where they served the community through various volunteer organizations. Family time included outings with grandparents, friends, hiking and biking.

Mary taught in Connecticut for 26 years before retiring and moving to Chebeague Island in June 2007 with husband John, their three cats, Nulla, Uno, and Due, and their fluffy white poodle, Tre. Mary earned a B.S. and M.S. in Education, with specialization in Special Education and Psychology, from Southern Connecticut State University, and a 6th Year Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program. During her years with Granby Public Schools, Mary was instrumental in the successful implementation of the Inclusive and Collaborative Education Models for the delivery of Special Education Services.

Mary shared her expertise in special education and collaborative science education through presentations at state and regional professional development conferences. Mary also served as a mentor to novice teachers in the Granby Schools and as a cooperating teacher with the University of Hartford and St. Joseph College. In her role as a special education teacher, Mary found it was most important to be involved in the school-wide community, which provided her the opportunity to be perceived as a teacher for all students. She has worked with students in all grade levels, infants through adults. Mary is especially pleased to be able to share her educational expertise with the Chebeague Island community.

When she’s not working at Chebeague Island School, Mary enjoys time with friends and family, community involvement, singing, playing, reading, painting, cooking, walking, sailing, and sitting on her back bank observing birds, staring at the sea and watching boats come and go.  Mary hopes that she and John will eventually travel near and far.

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