Maria Arellano

Year I Joined HSH: 2021

Hometown: New York, NY

Education: State University of New York at Geneseo, B.A. Elementary and Special Education; State University of New York at Hunter College, M.S. Reading Specialization; Columbia University, M.A. Private School Leadership; Seton Hall University, Ed.D. Education Policy and Management

Why HSH? It is a place of joyful learning and where children are known, valued, and encouraged just as they are.

What causes or non-profits do you support and why? Foster care advocacy because I am a foster parent, and my niece and nephew were adopted through foster care.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to teach kickboxing.

What piece of advice would you give to a graduating sixth grader? Don’t worry about looking silly while trying new things. Expose yourself to as many things as your heart desires and find what you love doing.