HOLLAND LEAVING AREA EASTER SEALS AFTER 13 YEARS

Suzanne Holland said she's not even dealing with the fact that her last day with Easter Seals is Aug. 9.

After 13 years as an Easter Seals teacher and director in Cape Girardeau, Holland, 43, said she has "learned so much and is still not prepared for the leaving part."

The Easter Seal Society in Cape Girardeau, which serves about 60 children, is part of a nationwide program that benefits disabled children.

When Holland came to Easter Seals in 1983, her program revolved around five children. Holland said at that time parents were still uneducated about the laws that applied to disabled children and about the services Easter Seals could provide.

Holland said one of the reasons early childhood special education attracted her "was that it was an area that wasn't understood very well, and the programs needed a lot of help."

Once people started becoming more educated, though, her program "started really growing."

"Funding," said Holland, "increased dramatically, and our programs began to really branch out."

After several months of working with just five children, Holland established one of the first curricula of early childhood special education in Missouri.

Southeast Regional Easter Seals director Chuck Martin attributes much of the early learning program's success to Holland. But Holland is not nearly as worried about her own accolades as she is with helping the children in her center.

"I always put children first," she said.

Holland said that one of the most exciting aspects of her work with Easter Seals children was working with those who had been through difficult and traumatic times.

"When I watch children who have been through really trying experiences work through a problem, it is even more challenging and exciting," said Holland, adding that she and her staff are always proud that children have the persistence to keep working with staff members to improve themselves.

"Always expect and respect," said Holland. "Respect them for what they've been through and what they're going through, but expect them to work with you and to get better."

Next Friday, the days of "putting kids first" at Easter Seals will come to an end for Holland.

"I'd like to be remembered as someone who made children's lives more enjoyable and as someone who changed the attitudes and opinions of others," said Holland.

Holland is leaving to take a position as director of a special education program at a school district in Washington state.

She said the job will allow her to "learn a lot about an older population of children in a different state".

A going away party for Holland will be held Friday from 4-6 p.m., and is open Easter Seals supporters.