Employee Spotlight: Cathy Gascon

08/26/2021 -

Name:
Cathy Gascon

Years at SCOE:
15

Job Title:
Teacher

How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I tell people that I work with students with very exceptional needs. I help them to be as independent as possible and help them to live their best lives.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in South Florida, Boca Raton. Go Dolphins.

Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Higgins. She was my second grade teacher. She was just lovely and caring and compassionate. Her son is in a Facebook group I am in (Old Boca) and she is still alive and living in North Carolina. I send her special thoughts and messages.

What is your favorite thing about SCOE?
I love the people I work with. Everyone I have worked with at SCOE is focused on the students and how to best help them learn and grow. It is a very special group of people across the board. I also love the fact that we serve the students that are not always the easiest ones to work with. We continue to love and care for them no matter what.

What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
My happy memorable moments are earning my Admin credential and getting hired to work for NCSOE. I love working with new teachers and really enjoy watching them grow and experience the newness of teaching. Recently I was invited to a graduation party for a student I had worked with when he was in 4th grade. It was such a pleasure to see him as a young adult and how he had matured and grown. Very, very special. My unhappy memorable moments are losing students when they pass on. It is crushing.

Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
I love to be active and walk, run or hike.

What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
My house. It was my grandparent’s home so it holds a lot of very precious memories.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I was born in Africa.