AUBURN — Regional Educational Treatment Center/SOS will host a Retirement Open House for Nancy Lewis from 2:30-5:30 p.m. June 10. The open house will be held at Lake Street School in Auburn. Former colleagues and students are welcome to attend.

Lewis has been in education for 44 years. She began her career as a teacher. In 1981 she joined the Auburn School Department and became the program director of RETC/SOS for the next 34 years. Under her leadership, the program expanded resulting in moves from Danville to the YMCA, then Western Avenue, Mt. Auburn Avenue and now Lake Street School.

During her tenure the program transitioned from a behavioral approach to a more therapeutic milieu. Her staff relies on her ability to see the “big picture” and her creative problem solving strategies. This was particularly apparent with the implementation of the pre-vocational program. What began with pretzels and then cookies went on to become Deali’s Affordable Boxed Lunches. This student-run business now delivers approximately 60 lunches a week.

Lewis said she appreciates her students’ individuality, and they respond to her patience and empathetic listening.

As a going away gift, students will be preparing refreshments for Lewis’ retirement open house.