Sierra Vista K-8

MEET MRS. RUSSELL

Dear Sierra Vista families,

My name is Andrea Russell and the 2023-24 school year is my 23rd as a Speech-Language Pathologist and my sixth year as a member of the Grizzly family!  I love that being at Sierra Vista gives me the opportunity to work with a wide age range of students and also see many of them progress over a long period of time.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at California State University, Sacramento. My interest in working with children began early on when I would join in-home therapy sessions for my developmentally disabled younger sister. During my senior year of high school, I worked as a teacher assistant in a kindergarten classroom. Becoming a speech therapist is the perfect combination of teaching and making a difference with children who have communication difficulties. During my career, I have worked in several different elementary schools, in private practice in a pediatric clinic, and in Early Intervention where I provided services to students from age birth to 3 in homes and daycares.

Building positive relationships with students is an important factor in making progress towards communication goals.  I encourage conversation and curiosity while weaving in opportunities to address student needs, creating a natural setting whenever possible. I also provide easy-to- implement suggestions for home practice. Communication happens all day long!

Having spent many years at Travis AFB, we chose Vacaville for our home when my husband retired from the Air Force in 2014. You might spot Mr. Jeff driving a school bus around Vacaville! Our son left for college in July 2022.  It really is true… the years fly by! We look forward to watching him play baseball at San Diego State University in the fall and spring. I also continue to spend a lot of time with my younger sister as I am her main family support and conservator… and she calls me “Mom.”

I’m looking forward to another great school year with my Grizzly family!

Sincerely, 

Andrea Russell

Email: [email protected]