Shamrock Connections

Shamrock Connections is Westfield Washington Schools’ transition program designed to support young adults with disabilities, ages 18–22, who have completed their program at Westfield High School.

Students who have finished all required units and participated in commencement may continue their educational experience through Shamrock Connections as they prepare for adult life after high school.

Levels of Support and Skill-Building

The program provides a tiered level of structure and support, allowing each student to receive individualized guidance based on their specific needs and goals.

Shamrock Connections partners with local businesses to place students in environments where they build essential life and workplace skills through internships, job shadowing, and volunteer experiences.

Our Educational Programming

Program Focus Areas

Students develop skills across five key areas

Independent Life Skills: Self-care, self-advocacy, and daily living skills that support independence
Social Skills: Social outings, games, and meaningful interactions with peers, coworkers, and customers
Community Access: Use of access passes, participation in local events, and transportation through Hamilton County Express
Employability Skills: Resume building, job applications, vocational training, and job exploration
Future Planning: Planning for next steps including day programs and vocational rehabilitation

Work-Based Learning & Community Partnerships

Real-World Experience Through Local Business Connections

Shamrock Connections builds strong partnerships with local businesses to create empowering, hands-on learning opportunities.

Students are placed in real job environments where they gain experience, confidence, and independence while contributing value to the workplace.

Partnership Opportunities

Flexible Pathways for Student Growth

The program offers multiple levels of engagement to meet students where they are:

Shadowing: An opportunity for interns to explore careers of interest and experience “a day in the life” at a workplace. Students follow employees to gain a better understanding of specific roles.
Volunteer: Students serve in the community while developing and practicing vocational and interpersonal skills.
Internship: An unpaid opportunity for students to work with a local business aligned to their interests. Interns are supported by a job coach while learning job-specific skills.
Employability: A paid position obtained by the student. Job coach support may be provided and is gradually reduced as independence increases.

Our Goals for Community Partnerships:

To build mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses where:

Businesses benefit from the contributions of student interns
Students gain real-world workforce exposure
Students develop and master skills needed for employment and independent living

About Us

Sandy O'Neill, Transition Teacher

I began my time with Westfield Schools back in 1999 as a resource teacher at Westfield Middle School. I met my husband, Terry, who was a math teacher at WMS, and once we began our family, I stayed home to raise them. After being at home and running a daycare for almost 15 years, I came back to WMS, this time as a Life Skills teacher. I came to Shamrock Connections in 2023 and have loved working with students and families in preparing for life after school. My husband and I reside in Westfield with our children, Thadeus, Ike, Celina, Abraham, and Sylvia. We could not have asked for a better community to raise our family in.

Taylor Woolsey, Transition Teacher

My name is Taylor Woolsey and I am one of the Shamrock Connections transition teachers here at Westfield. I have been working with Westfield High School since 2020. I started teaching in the Life Skills classroom at WHS and then transitioned to Shamrock Connections 3 years ago. I have absolutely loved working in this program and have been so lucky to see how much the interns grow each year. We have had so many great experiences working with businesses in Westfield, and are excited to work with more as Westfield grows.

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