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It’s National School Counseling Week and we’d like to spotlight East Meadows’ counselor Mrs. Christina Shakespear! We are so lucky to have Mrs. Shakespear here and appreciate the wonderful work she does with our students. We asked Mrs. Shakespear to answer ten questions to help us get to know her better:
Where did you go to college? I graduated from Southern Utah University (2010) with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health, and Coaching. I then graduated from Utah State University (2013) with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education Math and English Teaching. I completed my Master of Education Degree from Utah State University in (2020) in School Counseling.
What attracted you to the education/counseling field? I became a teacher initially because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I loved being able to share my passion for physical activity and nutrition. I also wanted the opportunity to do a job where I could coach swim teams. I worked as a PE and Health teacher for two years before I was able to further my studies in Special Education. I worked in Special Education for 7 years. I loved being able to help people learn and find ways to accommodate their learning. The desire to become a school counselor came because I wanted to be able to help students cope with the challenges they are faced with. I wanted to be able to provide support and a listening ear. I want to be an advocate for students. I also wanted to be able to learn ways to help my own children deal with the stress and circumstances that they were given. I want students and their families to know that they are loved, that they belong, and that they are not alone.
What is your favorite part of working with East Meadows students? I love how willing they are to learn and participate in the lessons. The students are very creative and want to share who they are with others. I love learning from the students. These kids are so very resilient and are trying so hard to do their best. I love being able to talk to them and share the strength that they have.
What is your favorite thing about East Meadows? I love the culture of inclusion and the feelings of warmth and welcoming. The faculty are very supportive and care about their students. The students and faculty have really exemplified the theme that we are stronger together. This school and the community around it is a family.
Please tell us a little about your family. I have two amazing kiddos. Kelsey is 8 years old and Adam is turning 6 this month. We have a dog named Sis who is 6 years old and a HedgeHog named June. We have lived in Spanish Fork for 4 years and spend our summers at the Spanish Fork Pool. We love to go on adventures and as long as there is some type of water involved we are pretty happy. Our favorite adventures always include the beach.
What are your hobbies/interests? I love being outside. I love to go camping and hiking with my kids. I love going paddleboarding and water skiing. I love to read and hang in a hammock. I honestly just enjoy taking my kids on adventures and exploring new places. I love teaching and coaching. I love walking beaches and rock hunting. My favorite activity has been coaching swim teams as well as coaching my kids during their soccer and baseball seasons.
What's your favorite color? I love Blue and Green because they remind me of the water and the water is my happy place!
What's your favorite food? My favorite food is lime popcorn and Dr Pepper 10 or Diet Dr Pepper Cream Soda.
If you had to live in either a library or a zoo for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why? I would choose to live at a zoo. I love animals and I have always wanted to have a tiger as a pet.
What advice do you have for the students at East Meadows? Never give up. You will face challenges and they will be difficult, but you can and will get through it. We cannot overcome the challenges alone. Find someone you can trust (hopefully parents and teachers) and reach out to them. Never forget that you are loved and that you are part of the East Meadows Family.