Congratulations to Toni Smith, After School Trainer of the Month for December

Here’s a little more about this fabulous leader:

How long have you worked for The Leadership Program?                                                                                  

1 year                                                                          

One thing you may not know about me…                                                                                                                                     

I was in a cheesy commercial for Lucille Roberts.                                                                                                                       

What has been one of your most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer?                                            

Being in the company of those who truly value your efforts. 

What inspires you?                                                                                                                                                                   

My dreams.                                                                                                                                                       

How do you rejuvenate yourself?                                                                                                                           

Cooking or drawing.                                                                                                  

Who is a leader you look up to and why?                                                                                                                                  

My mother for being unafraid to go after what she wants.                                                                                    

What is one place you would love to travel?                                                                                                                       

Italy

What is one of your personal or professional goals this year?                                                                                  

To reconnect with friends.                                                   

What do you hope your students will take from their experience in your ICE unit(s) this year?            

The idea that they can accomplish things they felt was impossible. 

What is your favorite quote?                                                                                                                                         

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”- Paulo Coelho

THE BUZZ ABOUT TONI SMITH

“The principal is consistently praising her work and the way she shines with the students.”    

“A shining leader in action—stellar flexibility, skill and spunk at PS 1 programming in the Bronx.” 

“She is a joy to work with and consistently sets positive standards for her peers to follow.”

“She goes above and beyond, always and is a fabulous leader in our organization.”

“Professional, great at communicating, thorough, optimistic, driven and committed, she always comes to work with a smile on her face.”

Congratulations to Daria Sanford, ICE Trainer of the Month for December! 

Here’s a little more about this fabulous leader:

How long have you worked for The Leadership Program?                                                                                    

 11 years  

One thing you may not know about me…                                                                                                                                 

One thing you may not know about me…I won 1^st prize in the Cricket Magazine story contest when I was 8

What has been one of your most rewarding moments as a Leadership Trainer?

I love makin’ em cry on the last day. (Tears of joy, of course!) Knowing that because of the program, kids have become lifelong friends with kids they otherwise wouldn’t have talked to. 

What inspires you?

Besides the TLP staff?  Sunsets, rainbows, gin martinis with a twist, big novels, lip gloss, Will, Marlow. 

How do you rejuvenate yourself?

Workout or yoga, hot bath, good dinner with friends and family, maybe an episode of Mad Men, and enough time to read before sleep…oh lordy, that sounds like heaven right now.

Who is a leader you look up to and why?

Henry Walker, my Middle School teacher/advisor for 4 years at Carolina Friends School.  I credit Henry for helping me survive the emotional tumult of those tough years.  He was patient, fair, always ready to listen, always affirming, corny when I needed a laugh and quietly firm when I tested limits.  He reminds me to find the light within everyone.

What is one place you would love to travel?

Tulum, Mexico.  Rustic hut on the beach.

What is one of your personal or professional goals this year?

I am developing a “Character Ed through Shakespeare” unit that I am really excited about. 

What do you hope your students will take from their experience in your unit this year?

Surprise friends; a kernel of wisdom; a glimpse into a positive future; laughter; staying silent for an entire whiparound! 

What is your favorite quote?

The whole thing (you know it) but especially the first lines: “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure…Your playing small does not serve the world.”

THE BUZZ ABOUT DARIA SANFORD

“Daria goes above and beyond her job description as an exceptional representative of Leadership in the schools and in her interactions with the Leadership staff.”

“Consistently upholds a high level of professionalism”

“She is genuinely warm and gracious to work with.”

“Firm when need be in upholding Leadership standards.”

“Maintains professional and timely communication with ICES staff and schools.”

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