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Winona Thatcher

Winona Thatcher: Aligning Career with Core Values

Winona Thatcher always knew that she wanted people to be the center of her career. However, after completing her undergraduate degree, she took a series of positions that didn't quite align with that core value. It took some soul searching that ultimately lead her to Lehigh University's College of Education—a place where her passion and profession finally clicked.

"Through a lot of trial and error, I landed in the College of Education at Lehigh and could not be more thrilled. As my journey continues at Lehigh, the amazing faculty and the beautiful campus have solidified my decision time and time again."

Hands-On Learning 

As a student in the Special Education track, Thatcher isn't just learning from textbooks; she is actively shaping lives. She currently serves as a teacher associate at the Centennial School, Lehigh’s acclaimed lab school dedicated to serving children with emotional disturbance and autism.

This immersive role gives her daily, real-world experience in behavioral intervention and specialized instruction. Thatcher credits this unique environment with reinforcing her love for the field, noting that she deeply values every moment and breakthrough she experiences with her students.

A Global Journey to a Familiar Home

Winona brings a distinct, well-traveled perspective to her graduate cohort. She spent a significant portion of her childhood growing up in England before later relocating to Tennessee. Throughout all of these major geographic transitions, the Lehigh Valley remained a comforting constant in her life because of close relatives living in the area.

When it came time to select a graduate program, her lifelong affection for the region made Bethlehem a perfect destination. Having lived in various parts of the world, she considers the community at Lehigh to be truly special.

Lehigh Valley Favorites 

When she steps away from her responsibilities at Centennial, Thatcher loves fully immersing herself in the local culture and seasonal traditions of the area. Some of her favorite local pastimes include:

  • Historic Downtown Bethlehem: Walking the historic streets, especially when the "Christmas City" transforms during the winter holiday season.
  • The Promenade Shops at Center Valley: Strolling and shopping with her family at a venue that was a staple of her childhood visits.
  • ArtsQuest at the SteelStacks: Indulging her love for cinema by catching movies at the local theater.
  • Musikfest: Experiencing Bethlehem's massive, vibrant 10-day music festival for the first time in 2025.

To completely recharge, Thatcher loves listening to music, crafting, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family and her two beloved cats.