MY HOPE IS TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND ENHANCE LIVES THROUGH TEACHING SCIENCE.
Hello! My name is Trina Terrell. I am a fun, energetic and creative person with a passion for teaching science and nature. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology: Ecology and Environmental Science, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Secondary Science Teaching licensure, and a certificate in Genealogy. During my schooling, I spent five years working as a Medical Aide and QMAP at Fort Collins Good Samaritan. It was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to the world of nursing home residents and staff. I have also completed the Eden Alternative training.
Upon finishing my secondary Science licensure, I worked for seven years as a Science teacher at Thornton High School. I taught a number of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, International Baccalaureate program, and Special Education.
However, I missed working in a nursing home setting, and left the field of teaching to become a Social Worker in a nursing home, and eventually the director of Social Services. During my first year as a social worker, I was awarded the 2011 CHCA Social Service Professional of the Year for the State of Colorado. I knew that working with this clientele was the right career for me.
Sharing time with my residents, I saw a need for activities that opened their minds, challenged their knowledge, and piqued their curiosity about science and nature. I began teaching science classes in the nursing home where I worked. They were an instant hit! This was the genesis of Curious Dragonfly, a way to blend the two great loves of my life: teaching science and nature and working with residents of all ages. It’s amazing hearing and sharing the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as smiling residents discover something new. It is truly the most rewarding experiences anyone could ask for.
My Philosophy
Curious Dragonfly began with this question: What could I do to make a difference in the lives of the residents at my nursing home? I had just switched careers, transitioning from a high school science teacher to a social worker. I saw that there was a need for resident activities, and I wanted to provide a time where they could smile, laugh, and learn. So I offered a variety of science classes; Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Astronomy and Physics . They were a hit! My residents began asking questions outside of class. This made my heart smile, because I had touched their lives and opened a door in their mind.
Curious Dragonfly is a way to provide this opportunity to any and all residents who wish to expand their mind. Learning never stops, and it is my mission to inspire residents to continue to be curious about the world around them. Curious Dragonfly offers them a time to not only learn something new, but also to share their knowledge and provide them a time to laugh, smile, and be engaged. I am eternally grateful for the time I spend with residents, and for the chance to share my knowledge and love of science with them.
You’re wondering the significance of “Curious Dragonfly”? Dragonflies have a personal meaning to me. The dragonfly symbolizes transformation and renewal in one’s life. It is a carefree insect with free spirit, curious activity and lives its life to the fullest. I feel like this describes my life. With the short time we have on this earth, we all need to live our life to the fullest.