Shiori O'Neil 18F

Shiori O’Neil (they/them) grew up in New York City and moved to Western Massachusetts for college. They attended Hampshire, where they studied early childhood education and social and political theory. Throughout Shiori's four years at Hampshire, they worked at the Early Learning Center as a work-study student. They spent two years in the Infant Room and then two in the Toddler Room. Shiori greatly values the experiences they had working at the Early Learning Center and is very excited to be returning to the community. 

Shiori values and honors small moments and interactions with children, and believes it’s critical as a teacher to be able to slow down enough to notice the possibilities for connection and communication. They see children as capable, curious, empathetic, and collaborative learners. Children are active participants in their own learning, and they must be given the space to learn from and with each other and with their environment.

Children are wonderful creative thinkers and Shiori believes deeply in a child's right to explore and expand their thinking through play. They believe education plays a critical role in creating a more just world, and that building reciprocal relationships and community is a vital part of this process. During their free time, they enjoy being outside as much as possible, either taking walks or reading.