TOWAMENCIN  – Helping other people lead a healthy, independent life has always been a goal for Mrs. Gina Marston; the daughter of two teachers, she always knew that she wanted to teach and make a difference in young people’s lives. Now in her first year in the Special Education Department at North Penn, Marston’s dream is continuing to become a reality.

For part of the day, Marston teaches a one-on-one support class for autistic students, giving them the individual attention that helps these students thrive. After third period, she goes to Walton Farm Elementary, where she teaches second and third grade learning support.

“The best part of my job is making a connection with a student and helping them to achieve mini goals,” said Marston.

Though she may be new to North Penn, Marston is no stranger to teaching; among other places, she worked in the Council Rock School District for six years before finally coming here. Before working in special education, she taught health and fitness, where some of her students inspired her to change her focus.

“I started getting special needs kids in class, and I realized that’s who needed help,” Marston said. She decided to go back to school, getting her masters before returning to work and focusing on special needs students.

Outside of the classroom, Marston enjoys running 5k races to stay active. However, with two young kids, finding the time to run is difficult.

“I probably spend most of my time at Sesame Place or the zoo,” said Marston.

For Marston, the unplanned is all part of the plan. “The best advice I’ve been given is to always plan for the unexpected and be flexible every day,” she said.

That flexibility should help Marston as she continues on her career path at North Penn.