Karrie Mattia

Hello, my name is Karrie Mattia! I hail from the northeast, specifically Windsor, CT, where I spent my formative years. It was there that I crossed paths with my husband of 23 years in Windsor Locks, CT. Together, we are blessed with three wonderful boys: Zachary (15), Nicholas (20), and Josh (30). And to add to our joy, I'm also a proud grandmother to a charming 4-year-old grandson named Eli – he's truly a bundle of delight!

Our journey led us to Mandeville in 2011. At the time, my husband was an Executive Chef for John Besh, while I was the Operations Manager for Brother's Gas Station. However, the demands of our corporate lives left us with scant time for our family. About five years ago, my husband made the bold decision to depart from the corporate world, igniting our pursuit of personal endeavors. He ventured into the culinary scene, opening PYRE BBQ, while I chased my dream of establishing a cozy, local coffee shop paired with an indie bookstore. The Book and The Bean came to life in June 2019, merging my retail acumen with my passion for literature and writing.

Amidst our ventures, our youngest son, Zachary, who is autistic, presented unique educational challenges. Recognizing his need for specialized attention, I enrolled him in A+ Help three years ago, as I felt he wasn't ready to navigate the public school system at his developmental stage. The decision proved transformative for Zachary – he thrived in the nurturing, one-on-one environment A+ Help provided, blossoming both intellectually and emotionally.

In 2022, an opportunity arose for an ELA teacher position at A+ Help. Eager to contribute to the educational journey of other children, I approached Ms. Danyel and secured a trial position over the summer, which swiftly evolved into a permanent role. Teaching resonates deeply with me, especially witnessing the spark of excitement in students' eyes when immersed in a captivating book. Our curriculum emphasizes interactive projects, making learning a joyous adventure.

While I still cherish and manage The Book and The Bean, teaching has become an integral part of my life. The children I teach are remarkable, and my colleagues are truly inspiring. Life brims with possibilities, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've been fortunate enough to seize.