'She Risks Exposure' For The Needs Of Students: Braintree Hero

BRAINTREE, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Sandra Roffey, who nominated her daughter Shaelin. Shaelin Roffey works as residential staff for the May Institute, a school in Randolph that works with students with autism and developmental disabilities.

Although the school itself is closed, the residential buildings where Shaelin Roffey works are still open. Her mother said she's "risking exposure" everday "to make sure that their students have what they need."

Where the nominee lives:

Braintree & various

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Braintree

Name of the nominee:
Shaelin Roffey, Shamika, Adam, Wekjard, and all the May Institute staff in Randolph

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Sandra Roffey

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Works with residential students of The May Institute

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
The staff show up every day to care for their students in the residence (even though the school itself is closed) because the students cannot be left alone and the residence staff are overnight, not day, staff. These are students who wouldn’t really understand “cough into your elbow” or 6 foot social distancing.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Shaelin, Shamika, Adam, Wekjard, and others are all dedicated to their students, risking exposure to make sure that their students have what they need. Shaelin, and all of the staff, care deeply about their students, their physical and emotional health, and their overall well-being.