Many times, some of the most encouraging people in our lives are the ones who we play a simple role in our lives. For Chelsea Marelle, this was her first-grade teacher. The encouragement and support that she received from her teacher was one of the many reasons why Chelsea decided to become a teacher, herself.
Later on, in Chelsea’s career, she became inspired by some of her friends and decided she wanted to teach special education. She has now been teaching Special Education at Otter Creek for grades kindergarten through fifth grade for three years. Every day, Chelsea faces the struggle of getting people to fully understand her students despite their communication
differences while still having high expectations for her students. “But, one of the best rewards of being their teacher is seeing them attain a goal, complete task independently, and interacting with friends,” was Chelsea’s response when asked about the rewards on her job.
Chelsea’s ultimate goal is to continue to promote acceptances, respect, and understand for children with disabilities. Also, provide memorable learning experience for the students. She is constantly reminding her students of a quote from Alexander Den Heijer that says, “When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
In Chelsea’s free time, when she is not volunteering for Our House or the Miracle League, crafting for her class, playing with her dog, or spending time with her husband; you can find her on the tennis courts. Chelsea learned to play tennis as she was growing up from her Mother. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she knew that one of the best ways to meet people in a new city was by playing tennis! Shortly after she arrived here, she began playing tennis at Burns Park Tennis Center and quickly started to love tennis in Little Rock. “We are like a family. I’ve had so many tennis people donate supplies, money, time, or help me collect items for my room. The tennis community was also there for me during the loss of my cousin in the fall with supportive texts messages while they also threw me a bridal shower before my wedding. This is something Tony and I love since we live so far away from our own families.”
USTA Arkansas is very proud of Chelsea for all of her hard work that she has done in the community to make a difference! We would like to thank Chelsea for being a Champion on and off the court! Do you know someone making a difference in the community? Submit their name and story by clicking here!