One teacher at Montrose really stands out among the rest, and not just because of her beautiful smile, but because of so much more! The 6th, 8th, and 10th grade science teacher, Ms. Skehan has just started teaching last year but has already made a long lasting impression on the entire school and wowed everyone with her musical talent.
Ms. Skehan was born in Portland, ME and has grown a love for traveling. Having traveled extensively from Maine to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rome, England, and Wyoming, Ms. Skehan brings a wealth of experiences into her teaching. Her favorite subjects, music and neuroscience, reflect her diverse interests and dedication to understanding both the mind and the soul.
A highlight of her journey was attending a transformative event in Rome with young women through Opus Dei at her University St. Anselm. This experience deepened her connection to her faith and her role as an educator. “Being Catholic is about bringing Christ to people, and our daily lives are about growing in friendship with Him,” she says, illustrating her commitment to integrating her beliefs into her teaching.
Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Ms. Skehan shares, “I want to experience the other side of education and discern how to make a positive impact.” She encourages her students to engage with their curiosity, stating, “I love experiencing and engaging with your curiosity!” As a teacher with a passion and great interest for science, Ms. Skehan easily engages students through hands-on projects, captivating presentations, and an occasional story. One 6th grader commented how “Ms. Skehan is an amazing teacher. She always makes class more fun and interesting.”
Whether it is on the field playing soccer, performing musically in the spotlight, or in the classroom teaching her students, Ms. Skehan shines her bright light everywhere she goes. In class she always has her students’ best interests at heart. One student commented “She treats each student as their own. She is truly a wonderful teacher and a bright light when teaching.” Ms. Skehan is able to create positive impressions on her class through even the smallest gestures of sympathetic understanding that classmates notice and admire. Some even create memories like one student who shares her favorite class memory. “So far, my favorite memory of her class is when she showed us an adorable movie for Halloween and, when we couldn’t finish it, sent everyone the link to watch it. I think that was so thoughtful!” Many of these admirable traits Ms. Skehan possesses, radiates off to each of her students and influences them to bring their own light everywhere they go!
Ms. Skehan’s hobbies include playing the cello and soccer, showcasing her artistic and athletic sides. Ms. Skehan contributes and displays her cello mastery when accompanying songs in Lessons and Carols. She believes in the power of music to connect people, particularly through singing at Mass, where she sees it as a profound way to explore community and spirituality. She even exhibits her athletic expertise by assisting as coach in many Montrose sports teams including Middle School basketball where a player on the team stated, “Even though I didn’t have much basketball experience, Ms. Skehan encouraged me to push my limits and gave me a better perspective and new love for basketball that I never would’ve imagined having!”
Ms. Skehan is a devoted and compassionate educator whose enthusiasm for teaching is matched only by her deep care for her students. Her vibrant energy creates an engaging and dynamic classroom where young minds are inspired to explore and grow. Beyond academic instruction, Ms. Skehan encourages her students to cultivate a strong relationship with God, guiding them to integrate faith and learning in all aspects of their lives. In fact, if she could tell the entire world one thing, it would be that “Jesus loves you.” Her genuine love for both her students and colleagues creates a warm, supportive community, and everyone at Montrose truly cherishes her in return. Thank you, Ms. Skehan!
By Eloisa Pap ‘30, Clubs and Classes Editor & Sarah Tea ‘30, Middle School Editor
