Becton Regional High School is happy to welcome Ms. Kristine Gaffney, our new speech therapist. Gaffney has been a speech therapist for over four years and for three of those years, she worked with preschoolers. During that time, she asked to upgrade her working skills and to teach with high school students.
Gaffney’s strength lies in her ability to foster creativity and engage her students in various activities tailored to their individual skills and unique qualities. She understands that each student has their own distinct abilities and talents, and she leverages this knowledge to create a stimulating and inclusive learning environment. In addition to her patience, she possesses exceptional communication skills, allowing her to effectively convey complex ideas to her students. She provides personalized assistance, ensuring that each student comprehends the material thoroughly. Gaffney takes pride in sharing her own experiences and different learning skills, and she is able to craft lessons that she can pass onto her current students to help her relate with them.
Gaffney’s passion for speech and communication services stems from her upbringing and exposure to the world of education. Growing up with both of her parents as educators, she was immersed in an environment that fostered a love for learning. She had attended childhood speech therapy classes since she was two-years-old, up until she was 14-years-old. Inspired by her parents’ dedication, she pursued a career in speech pathology, studying at the prestigious College of New Jersey. Throughout her teaching journey, Gaffney has witnessed the transformative power of effective communication. With a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in expressing themselves, she brings empathy and expertise to her role as a speech pathologist.
Jocelyn Mullen, a junior at Becton, sheds some light on Gaffney’s teaching style, “Ms. Gaffney is a nice person, welcoming, and makes learning comfortable. My meetings with her assist my learning in other classes and my future planned goals.”
Gaffney’s ability to witness progress among her students is a crucial aspect that allows her to establish a strong connection with her role as a speech pathologist. Seeing the improvement and growth in her students’ speech and communication skills reinforces her passion and dedication to her profession. It provides her with a sense of fulfillment and motivates her to continue making a positive impact on the lives of her students.
Furthermore, Gaffney’s personal experiences as a speech pathologist have given her a deep understanding of the challenges and obstacles that her students face. This empathy enables her to approach her job with compassion and tailor her therapy sessions to meet the individual needs of each student. By utilizing her own knowledge and experiences as well, Gaffney is able to provide effective and personalized support to help her students overcome their communication difficulties. Gaffney’s commitment to improving their speech and communication skills showcases her passion for helping others and making a difference in their lives.
One of Gaffney’s goals is to eventually go back to school to achieve her Master’s degree in Speech Pathology in order to learn and develop more fun and educational lessons for her upcoming students. Outside of the classroom, Gaffney has shown her Wildcat spirit in attending after school activities/clubs offered here at Becton and coaching Cross Country.
Gaffney’s passion for speech therapy stems from the belief that, “Everyone deserves a voice,” as the famous saying goes. Speech therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals express their needs and wants, ensuring that they are understood and listened to. The fundamental right to have a voice and be heard should be extended to everyone in society.
Our students and staff cannot wait to see what Gaffney has in store for the 2023 – 2024 BRHS year.
