These past couple years at LHS, students may have noticed some new faces in the history wing. One of these is Ms. Karli Doney, who teaches both Psychology and Sociology (two separate but intertwined semester-long electives) as well as taking on World History I and United States History II classes this year.
Before LHS
Like many other students entering the workforce, Ms. Doney’s first job was in a restaurant. After that, she transitioned to retail at the Holyoke Mall, specifically Target and Aerie.
But becoming a teacher was not something Ms. Doney worked towards at first. Originally, she went to college pursuing a Biology degree and a career in Biomedical Engineering (working to create advances in medical devices, procedures, and patient care).
Science was always a favorite subject when she was younger, especially through middle school. In 8th grade, she wanted to make medicines as a Biomedical Engineer. Later, she wanted to be a Forensic Psychologist, a qualified specialist applying psychology to crime, civil, and family cases. At another point, she briefly considered teaching.
Needless to say, she went through many different phases, possibilities, and ideas when trying to decide a career path.
While in college sh,e realized that the Biology major was not going to be an enjoyable lifelong career prospect. On the flip side, she was taking a history class she loved—another one of her best subjects. That was when she decided to switch her focus of studies to education.
Time At LHS
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Education, Ms. Doney is now teaching here at LHS.
As mentioned earlier, she teaches Psychology and Sociology and chose to do so because they are “important topics that…everyone should know, things that deal with real world issues.”
When asked why she chose to apply to LHS, Doney replied, “I applied to a lot of different schools, but I really liked the sense of community LHS had more than other schools…including some of their traditions like Senior Farewell.”
For most teachers, their answer to the question ‘What is your favorite thing about teaching?’ would typically include one of these topics: the students, spreading knowledge, summers off, or teaching a well-known subject. For Ms. Doney, her favorite thing about teaching is being able to support students, especially those who are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and those who may feel like outsiders or have a hard time with school. “Being a sense of support or a safe adult for them is my favorite thing.”
Junior Emily Pereira, having taken both Psychology and Sociology, noted, “She’s very supportive of my decisions and the questions I have in class, and [topics outside the classroom] as well.”
Senior Kelsie Blazejowski, who has also taken both electives as well as being co-president of the GSA, stated, “I think she [helped] by directing me towards what career I wanted to go into with psychology. On top of that, she was always a safe space, especially when it came to my anxiety because she’s always been very open about her own.”
On the topic of support, Ms. Doney is also an active member—and advisor—of the school’s GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance.) She reflected on the club, saying it’s a “very fun and lighthearted environment. Going to it after teaching all day is fun; the environment is nice, and the students’ energy energizes me.”
After LHS
As for when she isn’t in the classroom, Ms. Doney enjoys reading—it doesn’t matter the subject—and also playing video games like Minecraft (her all-time favorite,) Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
Sadly, recent budget cuts will move Ms. Doney to Baird Middle School next school year, teaching 8th-grade Civics. She will be missed by many current and former students.
If she had to give any advice in general to students, it would be this: “It’s okay to make mistakes (I make them everyday,) and be as kind as possible to others. You never know what they could be dealing with.”