Friday's Internet Edition, May 09, 2008.
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York, 29, was recognized as Thomasville City Schools (TCS) Exceptional Children’s Teacher of Excellence at the school board’s April meeting.
A speech pathologist who has worked with the school system for six years, she is the daughter of TCS Associate Superintendent James Carmichael. Her mother, Marie, is a retired elementary school teacher, and her older brother, Walter Carmichael, is a media coordinator in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system.
As a child, York experienced the speech problems that she now helps students overcome.
Her parents, James and Marie, who were both TCS educators, noticed that their toddler was having frequent ear infections, causing her not to hear correctly and affecting her speech. So they took her to see speech pathologist Mary Lin Brewer. Five years later, with the help of Brewer, York’s speech improved to the point where there were no signs of her former impediment.
Then a high school student, York decided to go back to Brewer. This time she wanted to shadow her as an intern at High Point Regional Hospital.
“She is basically the reason I wanted to do this,” York said. “I think I was impressed about her love of working with a child and making sure they got it.”
York graduated from Thomasville High School in 1997, and enrolled in Appalachian State University where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees in communication studies.
Highlighted by the recent award, her work since graduation obviously hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Mrs. York is a bright and articulate young woman who takes great pride in her work,” wrote Karen Sylvester, TCS Exceptional Children’s Director, in an application to nominate York for the award. “She cares passionately for the children and families she serves, and she goes over and beyond what is expected of her both personally and professionally to ensure their needs are met.”
York is currently the school system’s only speech pathologist. Therefore, she teaches more than 75 students. The school system is in the midst of filling a vacancy, which will bring some needed relief to York. Right now her primary focus is at Thomasville Primary School and Liberty Drive Elementary School.
“It is more challenging being shorthanded and trying to do a lot,” she said. “It is a challenging job, but it is rewarding. I still love my job.”
York is married to husband, Greg, the son of City Councilman Raleigh York Jr. The couple have one child, Madyson, who just turned 5 months old.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.