221 Great Plain Road

Danbury, CT 06811
914-438-3663

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a reference to school counselor candidate Kelly O’Connor. As her employer for the past
three years, I have nothing but the highest confidence in her, as both an employee and a person.

Kelly worked as our nanny to my young children as they navigated new schools and the changes that
happen so rapidly in preschool and early-elementary children. While employed, she has always been
incredibly responsible, thoughtful and someone with whom my husband and I consider part of our
family. Over the years, Kelly has helped our lives to not only run smoothly, but be enhanced because
she’s been in it.

When Kelly was hired by us, she was enrolled in her graduate program in school counseling. Two years
ago as my daughter entered Kindergarten, she began to struggle greatly with sensory and anxiety issues.
Through work with a talk therapist and occupational therapist we got through a rough time. But just as
influential, was the support, daily conversations and insights that Kelly provided as she spent time with
her before and after school. She both informally, and sometimes formally for her coursework, counseled
and assisted my daughter (and us!) with day-to-day coping skills. We certainly would have not been as
successful in that progression without her.

As a middle school special education teacher of almost 20 years, I feel confident in recommending Kelly
as a part of any school-based guidance program. I have worked closely with the counselors in my
school over the years and am certain that Kelly has just what it takes to be an effective, efficient, caring
and responsible member of any department, school and district.

If any questions arise or if you would like to talk further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Andrea Hayden