Retiree Spotlight: Lynn Gallagher

This time of year, Southern Westchester BOCES is taking a moment to celebrate some of the those on hand for our annual retiree reception that honors their years of service to our organization. 

Lynn Gallagher’s life at BOCES began at Rye Lake Campus in 1982, working with multiply disabled children. She instantly fell in love with the kids and knew this would be her life. She married her husband John in 1986 and was blessed with three incredible sons, David, Josh and Cody. They are her greatest gifts to the world, and she is immensely proud of the people they've become. Two beautiful daughter-in-laws, Vikki and Carly, have since joined the family, along with her grandfurbaby Bailey.   

After a nine year-break, during which she raised her boys, Lynn returned to BOCES to work in the Therapeutic Support Program and later in Project AIM. She worked with many different and individually unique children. She felt as if she brought her motherly instincts into the classroom, treating every student as if they were her own and always seeing the best in each. She has learned many things over the years....from positioning on standers and side-lyers, to PECS, schedules, sign language, ABA, writing lesson plans and teaching remotely during the pandemic. She is very proud that she was able to see our students for individual and group sessions daily by remote meetings. It brightened her day to see them on her screen. 

Since her retirement in August 2022, she and her husband took two fantastic trips, spending two beautiful weeks in Italy in October and eight perfect days on a Caribbean cruise in March. Those who know her know she likes her home, baking, bunnies and walking in the sunshine — and they know she doesn't like the cold weather! Her time at BOCES gave her 29 years of beautiful memories of all her students, unbelievably talented and giving teachers (we are all teachers), and lifelong friends. 

Her goal in retirement is to enjoy life and to give back whenever possible, being there for family and friends and Living One Day at a Time.