“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This quote from Mark Twain makes us think of one special member of our Calais team: Samantha Ervey, Calais Transition Coordinator!

When asked what she loves most about her job, she didn’t have to think twice, “EVERYTHING about working here. It brightens my day to see my students and co-workers!”

And it’s easy to see why! The Calais Transition Program helps students prepare for life after high school. Students gain access to an expanding range of opportunities as they progress through high school and into 12 Plus. Along the way, they build the life skills, confidence, and independence they need to pursue their goals through hands-on experiences like Work-Based Learning, Community-Based Instruction, and the College Bridge Program.

Ms. Ervey understands just how important this next chapter can be. With 16 years of experience working with high school-aged students, including 14 years as a Transition Coordinator, she has helped students navigate major life changes, such as moving from high school into employment, postsecondary education, or independent living. Her hope? “To make the future feel less scary and more exciting for both students and their families.”

As Calais Transition Coordinator, Ms. Ervey helps students bridge the gap between school and adult life. Through career exploration, Work-Based Learning opportunities, and hands-on instruction in practical life skills, she helps students build the knowledge and confidence to pursue employment, further education, and greater independence. 

She also works closely with students and their families to navigate the transition process, identify opportunities, and prepare for the challenges and decisions that come with adulthood. 

Whether she’s helping a student gain real-world work experience or teaching them to use ride-sharing apps safely, Ms. Ervey is committed to giving students the skills, tools and encouragement to explore their interests, build relationships, and pursue their goals with confidence. That commitment is reflected in the students she supports and the possibilities they pursue. Calais alum Alyssa Mastrandrea, for example, has continued her journey from 12 Plus into the Calais Adult Transition Program and is working toward earning her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Her progress is one example of what can happen when students receive the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities they need to keep moving forward.

Ms. Ervey aspires to make a lasting impact by providing meaningful work experiences and helping students and parents navigate the transition process. As she puts it, “Each one of our students deserves to live their lives to the fullest potential. My long-term goal is that each student who passes through our 12 Plus Program will have the confidence and the skill sets to accomplish their dreams.”

With her glass-half-full outlook, Ms. Ervey sees challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow and learn. So, when we asked her to describe her experience at Calais in a word, her answer came easily: FULFILLING.

It’s clear that Ms. Ervey’s passion goes beyond preparing students for what comes next. She’s helping them envision a future filled with possibilities—and giving them the tools and confidence to make it happen.

Thank you, Ms. Ervey, for the difference you make every day at Calais!