Fast Five: Theresa Moran helps others reach for the stars
Theresa Moran helps others reach for the stars
Meet Theresa Moran, an extrovert making do in a self-isolating world. Born and raised in a military family and lucky to have moved to Coeur d’Alene a decade ago!
Generation: I am a true Gen Xer. I loved being introduced to classroom computers in fifth grade, but still took a traditional typing class in high school using an IBM Selectric typewriter.
Career and community involvement: I have been a special education teacher for 25-plus years. I am currently working for the Coeur d’Alene School District as the Project SEARCH instructor. Project SEARCH is a high school transition program for students 18 to 21 years old with disabilities. The program is a partnership between the school district, Kootenai Health, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Tesh. This program prepares eight to 12 young people each year for community employment. In addition to my work in the classroom and on the hospital floor supporting the Project SEARCH student interns, I enjoy being active in our community. Coeur d’Alene is the most welcoming city I have ever lived in. I enjoy volunteering with the Human Rights Education Institute, while participating in a variety of triathlons and other local community events.
Parental status: I see each of the current Project SEARCH student interns as my kids as well as the 80 interns who have graduated from the program. At home I am “mom” to two dogs who are enjoying extra walks to local coffee shops during social isolation.
1. What’s going on in your world right now?
The past three weeks have been a true game-changer for the Project SEARCH interns and me. I have been navigating moving our classroom curriculum online while checking in with each intern to make sure they have everything they need, even asking “do you need toilet paper?” Thankfully our young people are optimistic and resilient. They have been so fun to visit with during our video conferencing. We even met over spring break to chat! Our interns have missed out on finishing their second internship rotations at Kootenai Health and we are living in the uncertainty of when third rotation can begin due to the school district closure and the hospital being the front lines in the pandemic. I know that the greater Coeur d’Alene community will come out of this stronger than ever. I know that our current interns will find fulfilling employment opportunities as well.
2. What are a few of your favorite things about overseeing Project SEARCH?
I love that Project SEARCH is ingrained in our community. There are graduates of our program working at Kootenai Health, Mountain West Bank, the Salvation Army Kroc Center, Tedder Industries, Northwest Specialty Hospital and the Ford dealership, to name a few. I see graduates of Project SEARCH happy in their jobs, living independently and thriving in our community. There are so many people who support the milestones that our interns achieve at Kootenai Health, in the community and at home. It is important for our interns to reach their highest potential. I love seeing them reach and exceed the high expectations that the Project SEARCH program sets for them. It is my privilege to watch each intern grow and accomplish success during their Project SEARCH year and in their lives.
3. How do you motivate yourself to overcome challenges and seize opportunities?
I am motivated by those around me. I am always looking for ways to grow professionally and personally. I am willing to try new things and reach out to others for support. Even during these times of social isolation, I am reaching out to those around me near and far for ideas. Being a “Marine brat” has helped me to recognize that change is inevitable and that there is always an opportunity in every challenge.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I had a few career ambitions growing up. When I was very young I thought I would be a nurse in the Navy. Then in high school I became very interested in electronics and planned to study electrical engineering at a military academy. However, my high school track and cross country coach, who was a special education teacher, observed me interacting with the students in his class, and urged me to think about a career teaching special education. The rest is history!
5. As someone who works in health care and looks out for others, what can we be doing right now to make life better for ourselves and other people?
Take care of yourself so that you can care for those around you. Follow the social distancing guidelines, be healthy, be safe and be active! Try a new recipe, go for more walks in your neighborhood, try an online or virtual workout, watch out for those around you, watch funny movies and grab a local coffee or bite to eat!
