Graduating high school is a big step—with an even bigger decision about what comes next. For some, it’s college or trade programs. For others, a full-time job, military or gap year. But for still others, there are challenges to any choice, and not always a well-worn path or a guide to the post-high-school plan. Until now. And it’s all thanks to the intervention specialists at Loveland High School.
The Loveland Transition Program (AKA, the Loveland Crew) helps students with a special education background adjust to life beyond the familiar school walls—providing real-world job experience before they graduate. By partnering with a diverse group of local businesses, the LTP Crew provides each of their students with several opportunities to try new jobs, meet people, and learn to navigate unfamiliar public places.
It began several years ago when Molly Swaine, an intervention specialist and teacher at LHS, started developing partnerships around the community. In 2019, Caitlin Haury, a transition coordinator, took over the program and made the LTP official—it’s since grown to include more than a dozen local companies and organizations.
Caitlin loves having the opportunity to help students learn such valuable skills. “Students with a special education background need to gain real work experience—kids who aren’t necessarily planning on going to college,” she explains. “If they’re bound for the workforce, we want to offer them some valuable employment skills.” These Crew students work at restaurants and businesses all over the area—making connections, building their resumes, discovering a new chapter (and new job possibilities) after high school graduation.
Even while still in school, Crew kids learn life skills with help from several aids who serve as job coaches. “Our LTP coaches help them navigate their jobs,” Caitlin explains. “If they’re working in the school cafeteria, for instance, we make sure they wash their hands, wear a hairnet, grab some gloves.”
There’s more. Caitlin and her fellow intervention specialists Nicole McGannon and Emily Hicks work together to place students in the most appropriate setting. It’s incredibly inspiring, according to Caitlin. “Our business partners are the best—they’re always excited when our students show up, and so grateful for the help we provide,” she explains. “But the most rewarding thing? When we hear about a former student getting a job offer.”
Talk about making an impact—people around the community have begun to recognize Caitlin and her team for their work. At Plaid Room Records, Crew students help by preparing the shipping station for mailing online orders. “These kids give our shipping team some much-needed support,” PRR manager Whitney Pelfrey explains. “They fold boxes, rip stickers, help us clean and organize on busy days. I love getting to see a student learn a new skill and improve on it every week!”
It’s no surprise that over the last few years, the Loveland Transition Program has become a priceless opportunity for both intervention specialists and their students. And local businesses are making a world of difference by giving these kids a chance to learn valuable career skills. Think your business/shop/restaurant could help? Contact Caitlin Haury and the LTP at hauryca@lovelandschools.org and join this illustrious club of LTP supporters:
Ramseys Trailside | The Works | Plaid Room Records | Mile 42 Coffee | Loveland Branch Library | RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery | New Hope Baptist Church | LaRosa’s | Skyline Chili | Children’s Academy of Loveland | Subway | Loveland City Schools | Paxton’s Grill
Our business partners are the best—they’re always excited when our students show up, and so grateful for the help we provide ... the most rewarding thing? When we hear about a former student getting a job offer.”