
Stitch by stitch, Gabby Termine is weaving a tapestry of inspiration and skill at our Vocational Skills Lab and Co-op. Starting as a Teacher’s Assistant in 2018, Gabby’s passion for teaching led her to a full-time role as the Design and Embroidery Teacher, where she helps students grow their talents and confidence every day.
The Vocational Skills Lab and Co-op is a place where students can get hands-on fabrication and production experience, all while learning the business side of operations – product development, graphic design, sales and marketing, and more. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Arts from Rutgers University and many years of print production experience and freelance work, Gabby’s visionary skills and design background aid in her work with the students at the Co-op.
Gabby enjoys working with the students in the Co-op, watching them gain confidence in their skills and create beautiful products.
“I love seeing student growth! For instance, I watched one of my students become really confident with the embroidery machine over the years,” Gabby says. “Their talents led them to an employment opportunity right here at Co-op! After graduating, Y.A.L.E. School hired that student to become my Teacher’s Assistant for the next school year. What a full-circle moment!”
Gabby is dedicated to her work, but she finds that the staff at the Co-op add to her motivation to come to work every day, as they all relish their uniquely collaborative workplace.
“The staff has become like family over the years,” she says. “And we spend a lot of time bouncing around creative ideas for new projects and skills for the students to learn.”
Gabby has many passions, one being cars! She rides in style with a custom Monsters Inc.-themed Camaro, designed with the help of Y.A.L.E. students. Gabby’s bright cyan Camaro “Sulley” is a must-see hot rod – even featured at the 2024 Philadelphia Auto Show and on 6ABC Philadelphia. She is also an active member of the South Jersey Camaro Car Club.
She brings her passion for cars and love of the autism community together by helping to organize local autism awareness car shows and other charitable events in the car community, including the Halloween at Y.A.L.E. School Car Show, for the past two years.
“A lot of what I do with my car is to help others and give back to various organizations and the community,” she says. “I also love seeing my car bring joy to families and students when I drive it to school.”