How long have you worked at Sheppard Pratt?
I have worked at Sheppard Pratt since November 2012. I have been an employee of the Hannah Moore School, which was acquired by Sheppard Pratt and is now called Sheppard Pratt School in Reisterstown, since February 2004.
What is your job at Sheppard Pratt?
I am the Principal of Sheppard Pratt School in Reisterstown. Every day, my role is different. I assist students who are in crisis, meet with students about graduation requirements and credits needed, put together schedules, and make schedule changes when needed. I am a small fraction of what makes the school run smoothly. I have wonderful staff who do an amazing job helping our students.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sheppard Pratt School in Reisterstown serves students ages 14–21 with multiple disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and other learning and emotional disabilities. As a principal, my typical day consists of assisting my colleagues, students, and parents by providing each of them an opportunity to be a part of a community that is supportive and educational while also giving each of them an opportunity to be a leader within our community.
What do you enjoy most about working at Sheppard Pratt?
I love my coworkers, and I love being able to assist in helping our students be successful and be as prepared as possible for life after high school.
What advice do you have for your students?
When students make mistakes, I always tell them that life is a non-stop lesson. You will make mistakes your whole life. It is what you learn from those mistakes and how you change to make yourself grow and become better that is important.
What has been your proudest moment at work?
Senior graduation is what makes me proud every school year. Seeing our students improve and grow through the years and then seeing them cross that stage makes me smile and warms my heart every time.
Three traits that define Jason
Outgoing
Devoted
Loving
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My mom. She has always stuck by me through thick and thin. When she struggled, she always found a way to get me what I wanted and needed. She is an amazing mom.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Being with my family, going to the gym, and currently, wedding planning.
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled?
Jamaica.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Whatever I can do with my family is my favorite thing to do.
What would you title the autobiography of your life?
“Growth is a Lifetime Event.” I chose this title because an individual’s growth is lifelong. Never be content with who you are. Try to better and challenge yourself daily.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet and why?
Walter Payton. He is my favorite football player of all-time. Not only was he the greatest running back ever, but he also cared about his community and helped a lot of people, which I admire.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Hire the right people to help me do things correctly. I would pay my bills off, along with my parents’ bills, and take everyone on a nice vacation.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would love to learn how to play the piano.