Ms. Vella’s Interlude

Story by Malaykah Mbeche – Staff Reporter

   When you get to know English teacher, Olivia Vella, you’ll find an extraordinary side that you’ll want to know more about.

     “I started teaching this August, but I substitute taught for two years prior to that,” Olivia Vella, English teacher, said.

   Ms. Vella started teaching because of her love for being able to build relationships with students and watching them grow in their confidence and their ability to be great inside and outside the classroom.

   “I really love interacting with kids and also getting to see them grow into people who truly understand, honor, respect themselves, respect their intelligence and their worth,” Vella said.

   She used to attend Lee Summit North, and she loved it so much that she couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.

   “Whenever I moved back from Chicago, it only made sense for me to come back here. I knew that I would be supported, and that I loved the environment, and I loved the people here. I wanted to help create a space in the space that helped me so much,” Vella said.

   In addition to being an English teacher, she has a love for animals, particularly her dog, Achilles.

   “Achilles is three years old, he just had a birthday this week, and he is a mutt from KC Pet Project. I adopted him in August of 2023,” Vella said.

   Vella spends her leisure time surrounded by people and things she loves.

   “I’m really into music, and if there’s ever a chance to go to a concert, I usually love to go to concerts in my free time, or I just love spending time with the people I love,” Vella said.

   She loves Stevie Nicks and Phoebe Bridgers; however, she also enjoys The Rolling Stones.

   “I was randomly gifted tickets while working another job to go see The Rolling Stones final concert of their farewell tour, so me and my friend drove three hours impulsively to Southern Missouri to see them perform last summer,” Vella said.

  Vella started working here because she wanted to make sure she helped someone in the space that helped her, and that is exactly what she’s doing.

Photo courtesy of LSN Website