Saint Catherine Academy welcomes Eric Spencer of Guilford, Conn., as its new principal. The private special education school in Fairfield serves students of all faiths who are impacted with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Spencer has a long history in education, most recently as Principal of Nathan Hale-Ray High School of East Haddam & Moodus, Conn. He earned a Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of Massachusetts (Boston), and his administrator certificate from Sacred Heart University.

Before working in public education, Spencer worked in the mental health field as a residential counselor with a variety of populations, including those with autism and developmental disabilities. “Those experiences had a profound impact on me,” Spencer says. “Working at Saint Catherine’s feels like a return to my roots. And with 25 years’ experience as a school counselor and administrator in public schools, working in a Catholic school will be a welcome change.”

As the school year begins, Spencer’s first priority is to get to know the staff and students, and become familiar with the teaching and individualized learning process of each class. “I can tell by my first interactions that Saint Catherine’s is a very special place. I am impressed with the kind, talented people who work here. Their commitment and passion remind me of the importance and mission of serving others.”

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Saint Catherine Academy is a state-approved, private special education school in Fairfield, Conn., serving students of all faiths who are impacted with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs includes a day program, approved by the Department of Developmental Services, for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering a variety of opportunities to learn new skills and participate in vocational and community based activities. For more information, call 203-540-5381 or email info@stcatherinecenter.org.