“I had the privilege of working with Allison Daly for the beginning of the year at Our Lady of Grace. In the six weeks I worked with Allison, I felt incredibly welcomed, supported and valued, especially as a new teacher starting in a new school. She is a phenomenal Grade 8 teacher, where she strives to meet each student’s independent needs and focuses on student wellness. It was inspiring to see her work with her students and see the positive impact she has on them.

Allison always shared ideas and resources with me, including her experiences with using morning circles in her classroom and her strategies for supporting student mental health. Not only did I see Allison’s wonderful impact on her students, but she also had such an incredibly positive impact on me in the short six weeks we worked together. I looked to Allison as a role model in this sometimes challenging career. She is strong, passionate, and incredibly kind. Allison was there to support me when it felt no one else was. She knew the importance of mental health and was able to recognize my struggles without me even fully recognizing them.

I am eternally thankful for the support and resources Allison provided me, as well as her constant ability to listen and validate my feelings. She showed me that even teachers can struggle with mental illness, but there are always people to support you. Thank you, Allison, for listening to me, advocating for me, and supporting me - I am incredibly grateful for all you have done and continue to do.”

We would like to thank Marty and Allison for their commitment to Catholic education at our board.