"After I graduated from the College, I decided to continue my graduate studies here at CNR because it is such a wonderful school. I love going to classes on this beautiful campus. It’s important to me to have small classes where I know everyone and the professors know me. I am now enrolled in the Graduate School’s Early Childhood Special Education program." Melissa Bauer Early Childhood Special Education Graduate School The College of New Rochelle

Melissa, where are you from?

I live in Yonkers.

Tell us something about your family?

We are a very close family. My grandmother lives in her house with her mother, brother, and son. Their house is down the street from my mother's house, which consists of my mother, sister, and brother.  (I am the eldest child).  My father is remarried, with step-children, and is very active in his children's lives. When my grandmother won the New York lottery in the 1980s, she provided for us to go to the best schools.   

Have you attended any other colleges?

No, just The College of New Rochelle.

What has surprised you the most about CNR?

I guess it would be making the National Dean's List.  

What is the National Dean’s list?

The National Dean's List honors high-achieving college students nationwide.  It is the largest, most respected program in the nation for honoring exceptional college students. Students are nominated by professors, deans, and leaders of civic and community service organizations who have made the "Dean's List" honors, or comparable academic achievement, or rank in the upper 10% of their class.  Only 1% of students from our nation's 3,000 colleges and universities are honored in the National Dean's List. 

Do you have a job now?

Yes, I am currently a Special Education Teacher at Goose Bay Nursery, which is affiliated with the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club.

Melissa, what was your major as an undergraduate?

I majored in Psychology. I received my B.A. in Psychology with an Elementary Education Certification in May 2003. After I graduated from the College, I decided to continue my graduate studies here at CNR because it is such a wonderful school. I love going to classes on this beautiful campus. It’s important to me to have small classes where I know everyone and the professors know me. I am now enrolled in the Graduate School’s Early Childhood Special Education program.

Do you have any favorite professors?

Oh, yes, many, many. Dr. Dennis Ryan is one. He is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies. Dr. Anthony Cosenza, an Associate Professor in Special Education, is one of my favorites. Both of these men are not only knowledgeable in their fields, but they also incorporate a spiritual level into what they are teaching. I am also fortunate to have taken courses from Dr. Stacy Larson, who is very knowledgeable in her field, and made me realize my strengths in Psychology. Also, Dr. Stephanie Squires is wonderful. She is in special education and is very dynamic and has opened my horizons about what is possible in Early Childhood Special Education. All of these professors, and more, have been very supportive. 

When do you expect to graduate?

I’m scheduled to receive my graduate degree in May 2005.

To find out if  CNR is the right choice for you, please contact:

Graduate School
Office of the Dean
The College of New Rochelle
29 Castle Place
New Rochelle, NY 10805
914-654-5334  
email: gs@cnr.edu