May 11, 2016

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is a written recommendation in support of Melissa Grego. I have
known Melissa for the last two years as a student in the Art Education/Art Therapy
department at Springfield College. Melissa attended several of the courses that I
teach including the undergraduate pre-practicum and practicum class, and art
therapy with special needs. It has been my pleasure to observe Melissa not only in
the classroom but also at the Zanetti Montessori School and Thousand Cranes Art
Studio where she completed internships.
Melissa simply loves working with young people. She is natural and authentic in
her approach to teaching in the art class room. I think her gentle spirit and kindness
are strengths that go a long way toward developing respect and trust with her
students. Her written documentation skills are developing and have shown growth
over the last two years. Melissa is a reliable and dedicated student who was always
prepared for class. In class outings I observed Melissa to be supportive to peers and
generally well liked by all. I feel her judgement is sound and her decision making
skills show a person who is supportive but encourages free thinking and problem
solving in the students that she is teaching. In my opinion she is well prepared to
teach in any public school art room. Her dual major in art education and art therapy
has also provided her with basic clinical skills that will be incredibly helpful in
working in settings where there are students with special needs. It has been a real
treat knowing her the last few years and I am confident she will be a wonderful
addition to your staff.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Soucy Hurley M.A.

VAPA Dept.
Springfield College