Twenty-two years ago, Marjane Vitaletti began her career at the Calais School with a passion for working with special needs students and a dedication which has made a difference in the lives of the hundreds of Calais students she has had the pleasure of working with.

Today we share Mrs. Vitaletti’s story as part of our 50th anniversary #MyCalaisStory series.

With a master’s degree in special education, Mrs. Vitaletti took a job at Calais. “During my 22 years working at The Calais School, I have watched many students transform and grow into autonomous young adults,” she said. “I have been there with them while they navigated through both the arduous times and joyous times. We have laughed and we have cried together.”

Mrs. Vitaletti said she remains in contact with many of the school’s alumni who still remember the values and lessons and compassion they learned while students at the school. She is now a licensed professional counselor and a school counselor as well. “Let us say, as my students grew, so did I,” she said. “That was the best role-modeling I knew. Throughout the years, not only have I watched many students cultivate, but they have also taught me many life lessons: the value of patience, the gift of compassion and the virtue of love. Believe me, it is not just a job, it is a mission.”

The 2020/2021 School Year marks Calais’ 50th year serving students with special needs! The Calais Foundation & The Calais School thanks students, parents, staff & faculty, and friends of Calais for playing an integral role in our past, present and future. The #MyCalaisStory campaign was created as a platform to share stories and build a deeper connection among our community members. If you would like to share your story, please contact Ashley Soleau at ashley.soleau@thecalaischool.org or Allison Freeman at allison.freeman@thecalaisschool.org.

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