As we move right along into spring, we’re continuing our celebration of the incredible staff who make our community so special. Since joining our community in 2017, Lane Sisak has become a dedicated and dynamic educator at Wolf, known for her creativity, strong connections with students, and passion for supporting Complex Learners. Learn more about her journey, her approach to teaching, and what she loves most about being part of the Wolf community in this month’s We Are Wolf.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up at Wolf?

I actually found my way to Wolf in a pretty unexpected way. I had been working in public schools in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, behavior support specialist, and resource support. All of those roles were really fulfilling, and I learned a lot from each of them. At the same time, I often felt like there wasn’t much room to think outside the box or try new approaches with students. I had heard of Wolf before, but I didn’t fully understand what they offered. The summer before I started, I came across a job posting and thought, “Why not?” When I came in for my interview, I met with Lauren and Anna, saw the Sensory Arena, and immediately felt like it was something different, in the best way. It was clear that the environment was built around meeting students where they are and allowed me to be creative and make learning fun! That really stuck with me, and it’s what drew me in. Nine years later, I’m still here, which I think says a lot about how much I value the work and the community.

2. What inspired you to want to work in Special Education and with Complex Learners?

I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I used to play “school” all the time in my basement as a kid. My mom was a teacher, and many of her friends were too, so I was always surrounded by that environment. I attended Rhode Island College, and right after finishing my student teaching, I was offered a position in special education. At the time, I didn’t necessarily plan to stay in special education, but once I started working with students with learning differences, I quickly realized it was exactly where I was meant to be. Working with students who have more complex learning needs challenges me to really look at the whole child. It feels like putting together a puzzle. I love figuring out how each student learns best and how I can support them in a way that’s meaningful and individualized. What I find most rewarding is seeing students build confidence, make progress, and genuinely enjoy coming to school. That’s what keeps me passionate about the work.

3. How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

I like to think of myself as a dynamic teacher. I really try to make learning engaging and fun by tapping into my students’ interests whenever possible, because when kids are invested, they’re much more willing to participate and take risks. At the same time, I know I can sometimes come across as “tough,” but that really comes from a place of believing in my students and their ability to grow. When a child is developmentally ready, I think it’s important to challenge them and push them to step outside their comfort zone, build independence, and develop confidence in themselves. Building strong rapport and meaningful connections with both students and their families is also really important to me. It helps me understand where each child is coming from and what their goals are, which allows me to design instruction that truly meets them where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. I believe there’s always a balance between fun and structure, and I try to strike that through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

4. What is your favorite part about working at Wolf?

My favorite part about working at Wolf is definitely the kids. We have some of the kindest, funniest, and most willing students, all of whom are really just trying to find their place. Watching a student come in at the beginning of the year and seeing their growth by the end is incredible. We have younger students who are just learning how to be part of a classroom, all the way up to middle schoolers who are learning to advocate for themselves and build meaningful friendships. It really is magic! I also really value the staff here. There are so many talented, dedicated educators, and I truly enjoy collaborating with my team to create immersive, meaningful lessons that support not just academic growth, but also confidence, independence, and long-term retention. Overall, the Wolf community feels like a big family. There’s a strong sense of support among both students and staff, and everyone is encouraged to grow, shine, and be their best selves.

5. What is your favorite restaurant in Rhode Island, and what is your go-to order?

My favorite restaurant is Twin Oaks. My go-to is baked stuffed shrimp with mashed potatoes and a salad with house dressing! Don’t forget the ice cream pie for dessert!

Lane’s commitment to her students, her thoughtful approach to teaching, and her genuine care for the Wolf community are just a few of the many reasons she is such an integral part of our team. From creating engaging learning experiences to helping students build confidence and independence, her impact is felt every day. Thank you for all you do, Lane!

To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!