Welcome to The Christ School Family!
Mary Ann Berlin, Student Support Teacher, greets everyone she sees with a warm and welcoming smile. Her friendly nature, along with her passion for teaching, makes her a wonderful addition to our TCS family!
Mary Ann grew up in Venice, Florida, and attended The University of Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education. “I have been a special education teacher for over 30 years, leaving the classroom for several years to spend time with our two children,” she says. “Throughout the years, I have been an ESE Resource Teacher, a teacher for self-contained classes of special needs students, a Crisis Intervention Teacher, and a Staffing Coordinator for special education programs and students. In addition, I have enjoyed teaching 7th Grade Religion, tutoring, coordinating parent-teacher workshops, and working on school accreditation teams.”
“I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember,” says Mary Ann. “My mother was the administrative assistant to the principal of our Catholic school for many years, so, a strong, faith-filled school community has always been a major part of my life. Working with children with various learning styles filled my heart during my internships and college practicums. Being able to help students reach their own potential and be joyful for their achievements is an amazing experience and one I knew I wanted to continue in my adult life.”
“Being asked to join the Student Support Center and The Christ School family is an exciting opportunity!” she says. “I have been enjoying developing this supportive and enriching program for our students with our wonderful team in the Student Support Center. I would love each student and family of our Student Support Center to know and believe that we can be proud of our differences and celebrate our uniqueness. I am blessed to live this message and share it, as I watch our children grow and become more confident while meeting their individual needs. It is a joy for me to work with our students each day and to be a part of such a kind, supportive, enthusiastic, and positive school family.”
Mary Ann and her husband, Bob, have two grown children, Jonathan, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Alicia, a nurse. “Most recently, we have been blessed with our first beautiful grandson, Jacob, who is an absolute joy and is already loved immensely by his family!” she says “When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, outings to the beach, baking, and shopping.”
“One of my favorite bible verses is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” says Mary Ann. “This verse in on the wall in our classroom and is the focal point, as soon as you enter the room. It has been a constant reminder for me in my personal life, for all of my life. I believe it is so necessary for our students to remember as well. Each one of us is a masterpiece created by God and unique in our own way.”