June Harriman was the special education teacher who taught Torey's students prior to Torey being hired for the position. It is only after Torey has already taken the job that she learns that Mrs. Harriman died as a result of suicide. Lucy, who taught in the room next to the deceased teacher, told Torey that although Mrs. Harriman had indicated she was depressed and overwhelmed, no one had really believed she was a candidate for suicide. After Torey becomes more involved in Jadie's case, she wonders if the suicide may have resulted from Mrs. Harriman's association with Jadie.