Learning Specialist Dian Duranleau has been granted a seven-month leave of absence as of Jan. 4, 2008. Taking over temporarily for Duranleau is Jennifer Chambers, a JSC graduate.

“I went to graduate school here,” Chambers said. “I got my masters in special and elementary education. I’m excited to be back. It’s a good place, very positive.”
In her new posting, Chambers will continue Duranleau’s work. “As learning specialist I assist students that have disabilities of any kind. I help them to understand what documentation is needed to bring into the office in order to qualify for any kinds of accommodations,” she said. “I also work with Transition students helping them, and mentoring the TRIO students.”

Chambers is excited to be working with JSC students. “I hope I can make it as fluent and easy as possible to transition to a new person,” she said. “I just want student contact, and to be involved in special education law and procedures is interesting to me. I’m really interested in carrying out the duties of making sure they get their accommodations and documentation.

“I’m happy to fill the position with such a qualified applicant,” said Director of Academic Support Service Karen Madden. “She’s very qualified and doing a great job. It’s a specialized position and the applicant had to have the background. I didn’t know where we could find someone to fill in for just seven months,” she said.

Madden said she expected Duranleau to return following her leave. “She applied to the president, so the only information that I was given is that she was granted the leave,” Madden said. “The nature of a leave is that someone is gone for a certain period of time but will be back once the leave is up. As far as I know she’ll be back in seven months.”

Chambers will be working at JSC until Duranleau returns to her position on Aug. 4, 2008. After her time spent at JSC is up, Chambers hopes to continue working in the special education field.

Prior to this latest position, Chambers worked as a special educator at Waterville elementary school and Northfield high school.