Earth Matters: Honoring a local hero: After 40 years, Hitchcock Center bids farewell to ...

credit: Deviant Art by Violet Evans

Colleen Kelley is leaving her post as education director at the Hitchcock Center in Springfield, Mass., at the end of the month after 40 years with the nonprofit.

In a letter to staff, she says it's time for her to "move on to the next phase of my life," per the Republican.

She's been with the center since 1984, first as a teacher and then as an education director, notes a tribute in the Democrat.

"She has worn just about every hat at the Hitchcock Center," it reads.

"Her desire to continually grow and challenge herself led her to take on roles such as environmental educator, teaching mentor, program creator, and education director."

Among her many accomplishments, per the letter: The center's Enchanted Forest trail was transformed into a pumpkin-lit forest each fall, and kids got to meet characters like "Speedy, the Aerobics Instructor Turtle" for family events.

"She knows where every single teaching prop can be found, and if you are preparing a new program, she is there with a fun activity to engage students, or a new way to teach something," it reads.

"Her unflagging positive attitude and joy in sharing ideas fuel a work culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

She keeps that culture

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