Meet Anna Hart

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Hart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe that, as a micro-school, my program helps the community by providing services for students with special needs who may not be receiving the services they need from the public school program.
Although I am a strong supporter of public education, there are situations where the community’s public schools are not meeting the needs of students enrolling in my program. Mainly, parents reported that students were not receiving the intensity of services needed in the public school setting. Additionally, because these students were educated in isolated settings (i.e., self-contained classrooms), they did not have access to the general education teacher or the general education curriculum, as federal law requires. Moreover, the practice of using self-contained classrooms further perpetuates the belief that students with special needs are different. Although their learning may differ, students with special needs are children who want to be included in all aspects of the school day, just as typical learners do. With evidence-based practices and co-teaching in general and special education, all students can learn in the same environment.
Although Stepping Stones Learning Center is designed to be an inclusive setting where general and special education students can be educated together, our program primarily serves students with special needs. However, our program employs a certified general education teacher who co-teaches with the special educator to provide students with access to a general educator and the general education curriculum.
It is my hope that this program can serve as a model for how co-teaching can happen in the public school setting, so that all students have the choice to attend their local public school and are not forced into private settings because the public school cannot provide what they need. Although school choice is important, it is equally important to provide high-quality, evidence-based practices within our public schools.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a special educator for the past 27 years. In that time, I have worked in preschools and elementary schools. I also have an undergraduate minor in Communication Disorders, so I have been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist-Assistant for over 20 years. It’s certainly been a long and sometimes challenging road. I love the graphic that shows the pathway to success as not being direct, but a series of twists, turns, and errors. Success is the journey, not the outcome, as I continue to strive for achievements that result in more effective school experiences for my students, students with special needs, and all students, including those with special needs.
The doctoral journey, the pinnacle of my academic pursuits, has been one of the most arduous. Even obtaining a Master’s Degree while working full-time with two young children, although challenging, was not as challenging as the doctoral process. The challenge was compounded by running a school business and teaching every day. Additionally, my two children transitioned from high school to adulthood/college. My strength came from the love and support of those around me. Taking one day at a time, putting one foot in front of the other, and taking the next right action while maintaining a relationship with a power greater than myself helped me to move forward and not give up when challenges sometimes became completely overwhelming. The journey, although filled with joy and celebration, was also marked by frustration, anger, and tears. However, each challenge and perceived setback better prepared me for the next stage. My thoughts often reflected, “This is happening FOR me, not TO me,” so I could feel empowered by the challenges ahead. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment each time I overcame a hurdle helped propel me forward and continues to do so.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love living in Arizona, particularly near Phoenix. Many friends come to visit, especially in the winter. I am from the Boston area and have friends who live in the Northeast, so winter is a great time to visit.
I would start with dinner at our local Roots Eatery. After traveling a long distance, as many of our guests do, it’s nice to visit a restaurant that feels and tastes like home (without having to cook).
Visits within the city would include:
A spa experience at Aji Spa at the Wild Horse Sheraton and lunch or dinner at the Perfect Pair in Tempe
Hiking South Mountain and lunch at Picazzo’s in Chandler
Heard Museum, shopping in Old Towne Scottsdale, and dinner at Zinc Bistro
A play at the Hale Centre Theater and dinner in Old Town Gilbert. We love Joe’s Farm Grill just outside of Old Town, but within Old Town, there is the Culinary Dropout, Postino’s with great outdoor seating, and Liberty Market with great comfort food.
A game or performance in downtown Phoenix or the Phoenix Art Museum, and dinner at Blanco.
For a special meal, Top of the Rock or Wrigley Mansion are amazing spots for great food and beautiful city views.
You can’t come to Phoenix without visiting Sedona. A day trip to Sedona and maybe stops at Montezuma’s Castle and Jerome. A stop in Jerome at the Haunted Hamburger is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I stand on the shoulders of giants. With the love and support of my family, these individuals supported me, encouraged my learning and growth, and fueled my passion for special education and for working on behalf of students with special needs. I would not be where I am today without the mentorship of Linda Mulley, M.Ed., CAGS, and Dr. Ed Sbardellati. I learned so much from them. It can be challenging to be critiqued as a teacher. As educators, we want to do our best for students, and we can feel discouraged when we don’t know what to do. Ed and Linda lovingly guided me and supported me, providing encouragement that made me believe I could make a real difference in my students’ lives. I am forever grateful to them for passing on their knowledge and expertise.
I would also like to thank Dr. P, who helped me advance to the next level of my profession. I am nearing the end of my doctoral program, and without her guidance, I would not be here.
Running a small business or school requires not only expertise in education but also financial knowledge and support. My parents and my husband have always supported me in this way. I knew I couldn’t fail because they rescued me more times than I can count.
My children spent afternoons with me while I worked with students. They definitely shared me with the students I taught. I am grateful that they never minded the time I spent split between teaching and being a mom.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful to the current and former staff who have worked in this program. They work tirelessly to support our students and make our school a success. This is not a venture I could do alone, and I am deeply grateful to have these mighty companions on the journey with me!

Website: https://www.steppingstonesmaricipa.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ anna-hart-4bb5343a

Facebook: Stepping Stones Learning Center, PLLC