Granby Living April2020

Detroit class trip
“Access to technology is
a blessing and a curse in
education today.”
Emily's wedding day
— Margaret Bastiaanse
trying to figure something out on your own,
even if it is hard, are important lessons that
are sometimes forgotten, because we rely too
much on technology.
We all need to put down our phones and
talk to each other, watch an event live, and
listen to each other. Conversation around the
dinner table with family and friends is really
important. Finally, helping our kids set boundaries
and use technology responsibly will help
them in school, their future careers and their
personal lives.
A brief anecdote that gives a glimpse of your
work in education:
I always want to give students opportunities
to pursue their interests inside and outside the
classroom. A memory I will never forget occurred
the first year of the robotics program in
2009. A student walked into the first competition
at the Hartford Convention Center, looked
around at all the other students, and said, “I
have found my people!”
I hope my students find that same kind
of joy when learning in my classroom. If
students realize they are “good at math” and
that math is useful in so many different ways
in their everyday lives, then I have made a
difference. I also want them to know that I,
like all of their teachers, care about their wellbeing
as well as their grades.
Family — My husband John and I have been
married for 31 years. We met playing co-ed
softball in an adult league in Simsbury.
We have four great children who all attended
the Granby public schools — daughters
Andrea, 30 (husband Brett); Emily, 29
(husband Brian); Jessica, 28; and son Joseph
(25). Our family is “over the moon” for our first
grandchild, Declan, born to Andrea and Brett
on Dec. 27, 2019. We look forward to when
Declan can hike with us and our dogs on the
beautiful trails here in Granby.
My parents, Susie and Danny Apanell, live
close by in South Deerfield, Mass. I am the
second-oldest of four children.
Age — 58
Sharp Minds
Shine Brighter
Satisfy your love of learning in a community of
active, engaged seniors. At The McAuley, intellectual
curiosity is worth celebrating. With stimulating
on-site lectures and classes from Trinity College and
the University of Hartford, free courses next door at
the University of Saint Joseph, thought-provoking
book discussions, and access to cultural events across
West Hartford, there are plenty of ways to keep
learning while enjoying the lifestyle you deserve.
275 Steele Road, West Hartford
TheMcAuley.org • 860-920-6319
GRANBY LIVING | 11