It takes a special person to set aside their degrees in political science, international child welfare, and human relations for children with disabilities in Guatemala. Luckily for Transitions, Caitlin Smith is just that.
Caitlin will begin a six-month volunteer position at the Transitions Special Education Classroom this week and has much to offer the school and organization. She was raised in a unique Rhode Island household that was very active in the disability community. Her father was the Vocational Director at a center for autism, where kids were more like family than students.
“Growing up around disabilities helped me be a more understanding person,” she said. “It taught me to react to one’s personality instead of the disability, which I think is a valuable quality to have learned so young.”
Transitions is excited to have the opportunity to work with Caitlin and is anxious to introduce her to the children in the Special Education Classroom.