As we get ready to close out another school year at Wolf, we’re continuing to take the time to celebrate the incredible faculty and staff who make The Wolf School so special. At Wolf, every staff member brings compassion, dedication, and a unique perspective to supporting Complex Learners. In today’s We Are Wolf, get to know Tina Odessa, a caring and committed Teacher Assistant whose work helps create a supportive and engaging environment for students each day.

1. Can you briefly tell us about your background?

After college, my career path led me to NYC, where I worked in the garment industry for four years. I married my husband, David, and then we moved to RI so that he could join his brother in the textile business. My journey in RI did not take me directly to The Wolf School. I dabbled in retail, real estate, and merchandising for a children’s outerwear manufacturer, but never found my passion for work. On a walk with my friend, Mara Scoliard, I expressed my desire to return to work outside the home after being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. I served on many different nonprofit boards and was president of the Women’s Association of the Miriam Hospital for three years, but it wasn’t enough for me. Mara mentioned that The Wolf School was looking for substitute teachers. I laughed because I always played teacher as a young girl, but never thought about it as a career. I called Anna, set up an appointment, and told her I was available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That quickly changed when I was working with two students during a reading block. One of the students read three to four words in a row, and then both students jumped up and cheered because it was the first time he had been able to read more than one word. I sat there with tears in my eyes. The magic of that moment hooked me on being part of this school, but more importantly, on wanting to help complex learners achieve their goals, here at The Wolf School.

2. What motivated you to want to work in a school setting?

I am an advocate for our students; I am very passionate about helping them with their academic, sensory, and, more importantly, social-emotional needs, and about teaching them life lessons.

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

I love making creative, active lessons and bringing students to the gym, sensory arena, or walking around the building, measuring items, looking for geometric shapes, words, or whatever we are working on. I also love learning from our remarkable teachers, OTs, and SLPs. In the end, this has helped me be a better person and TA.

4. Where is your favorite place to vacation or travel?

I love to travel anywhere where I can explore different cultures, food, people, and traditions, but I also love a good beach vacation.

Tina’s kindness, patience, and dedication have made a lasting impact on both students and colleagues at The Wolf School. Through her everyday support and genuine care, she helps create the welcoming and encouraging environment that defines the Wolf community. We are grateful for all that Tina brings to Wolf!

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