Special Announcement

JUNE 2024

Thank you, Melinda.

Dear Talk School Community, Many of us, like myself, were initially drawn to Talk School by Melinda Kotler's vision. As a caring mother seeking the best education for her son, Melinda created a thriving school community that has profoundly impacted the learning and lives of more than 100 families over the past two decades.

After years of dedicated service and visionary leadership, the inevitable and natural progression of events has led Melinda, our beloved founder and Head of School, to retire. This marks a significant milestone in the history of our community. Melinda’s passion, persistence, and huge heart have deftly guided us through moments of growth, challenge, and triumph, and her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.

Melinda's transition does not mean an end to her involvement with Talk School. She will maintain her position on the board, contributing to its growth, management, and decision-making processes.

As we bid farewell to Melinda in her role as Head of School, we also welcome Kristen Tabun as our Interim Head of School. Kristen brings over 30 years of experience in educational leadership.

We are fortunate to have found an extraordinarily capable leader to step into this role.

With a new building, a recently completed strategic plan, and strong educational leadership in place, we are confident in making this transition while upholding stability and continuity for our community.

As we embark on this new chapter, I ask each of you to continue supporting and collaborating with us. Let's unite around Kristen to ensure a successful transition and to honor Melinda's legacy.

Together, we will embrace new opportunities for growth and continue our mission to make Talk School accessible to every deserving student.

Please join me in expressing gratitude to Melinda for her years of service and in welcoming Kristen to her new role as Interim Head of School.

Onward and upward,

Jason Borelli, Board Chair

Dear Talk School Community, As I reflect on our 22-year journey together, I am filled with profound gratitude and pride. We have built more than just a school; we have created a warm, loving, and life-changing community that I am honored to be a part of.

Our journey has been marked by significant milestones. I vividly recall our humble beginnings with seven students in a donated modular unit, an exciting start filled with hope and promise. Moving to our 4,400-square-foot space was another pivotal moment. Despite financial challenges, our determination and hope for growth remained unwavering.

Recently, our move into a permanent building was monumental. I remember staff surprising me with a picture of the new building with the words “Welcome Home.” It was a deeply touching moment, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Seeing the children walking down our hallways doing a “sound walk,” with students practicing all they learn in the classroom which we are privileged to see and hear, reverberating through our hallways and throughout the building, hearing the students read orally or seamlessly switch between speaking and their devices to communicate - it’s the joy of my lifetime. Each student has overcome so many challenges through the support and countless moments of being cheered on and championed by our staff. The students are so proud, and we celebrate each success. From the smallest of challenges to the most life-altering changes, I’ve been so fortunate to look out my window and watch the students with awe; students playing together on the playground, drawing with chalk, and enjoying the swings with peers. Each triumph is a daily reminder of why we do what we do. Their successes are only because of our amazing teachers, assistants, therapists, and 1:1s, led by our incredible admin team, all working together on our students’ behalf. Our amazing staff members are changing students’ lives, and I’m forever grateful for their dedication to our students and commitment to excellence.

After much reflection, I have decided it is the right time in the life of Talk for me to retire and let the next generation of leadership thrive in guiding our staff and students. This decision, made with confidence (and a few tears), comes as our community is at its strongest and poised for success.

Our recently finished strategic plan, which we look forward to unveiling in the new school year, will provide a roadmap for this transition, making me confident in passing on the reins to new leadership who will see us into a new chapter of growth and success. I am delighted to welcome Kristen Tabun as our Interim Head of School, who brings the experience and cultural fit that is perfect for our school community.

Although I am retiring as Head of School, my work in this world is not done. I will continue to serve on the board of our school, remaining actively involved and contributing my expertise and support to ensure stability and continuity through this transition and beyond.

My journey has always been centered on finding the just-right programming for my son, which led to the founding of Talk School. In my next chapter, I’ll be focusing on developing housing for autistic adults and others with speech, language, and other differences who need a place to call home. This is an area of need with too few options available, and I am committed to ensuring they have a dignified, warm, and loving place to live. I envision a place where they can lead full and active lives as members of the greater community, one that reflects the values we hold dear at Talk.

This decision has been one of much consideration, and with Kristen at the helm, I have no doubt that she will lead our school forward with great tenacity, empathy, and enthusiasm.

Thank you for your steadfast support, dedication, and love. I’m honored to have been privy to each of your children’s success here at Talk.

Forever grateful,

Melinda Kotler, Founder & Head of School

Dear Members of the Talk School Community, I am honored and excited to join Talk School as the Interim Head of School. As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to express my admiration for the visionary leadership of Melinda Kotler. For more than two decades, Talk School has provided families with hope and students with skills to achieve greater independence. The foundation Melinda has built and the lives that have been transformed is nothing short of extraordinary.

I am both humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to carry forward Melinda’s vision for a thriving school community that presumes competence in its students and fosters an unwavering belief in what is possible.

With 30 years of experience in specialized independent schools, I have had the privilege of learning from many exceptional educators and leaders, witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact a nurturing and experienced community can have on students with diverse learning and social needs. Each role I have held over my career has deepened my understanding of the essential factors that contribute to a successful and supportive educational environment. I am eager to bring this experience to Talk School and to collaborate with our passionate and dedicated staff, students, and families.

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting each of you, hearing your stories, and learning about your hopes and aspirations for Talk School. Together, I know we can build on the strong foundation Melinda has established to continue to change lives and create new opportunities for our students.

Thank you for welcoming me to Talk School.

Kristen Tabun, Interim Head of School

Welcome, Kristen.