Monika Bali has been a phenomenal asset to the Iron Horse community in her role as special education paraeducator. She shows up every day with enthusiasm and ready to serve our students. She primarily works with our SDC mild students and has a gift for connecting with students with special needs. She works with students in small groups and individually. Monika is so patient and kind in every interaction with our students.

Part of the education learning experience for our 18-22 year old students incorporates community-based instruction. For this to happen we look for local businesses that will partner with our program, WorkAbility. Dave Homer at Pete's Brass Rail and Car Wash is one of those community partners that allows our students to practice job skills while setting up for the lunch crowd at the restaurant. Our students learn about working with others, what it takes to work in the food industry, and organizational skills needed for employment. Dave and his staff worked side by side with our students as they learn pre-employment skills. Dave has always made room for this learning opportunity at his restaurant and is always open to new ideas and inclusion for our students.

Rachel Fernsten is an amazing 3rd grade teacher who welcomes every student into her classroom. Rachel has consistently each year offered to have students with challenges in her class. She loves her students unconditionally and creates a warm and safe learning environment for each student.

Julie has been a PTA volunteer for Special Needs and Diversity and Inclusion at Walt Disney for multiple years. Julie consistently supports all students, and her passion for inclusion and diversity is a true asset to our school and community. Julie organized an AMAZING Abilities Awareness Week for our students and after the week was complete, she quickly put together a second week for our TK and Kinder students so they too could participate. The activities were enriching and extremely well received by students and staff. Our school community is truly lucky to have her!

Ryan Thank you for providing resource for the children at Monte Vista. You are without a doubt the most dedicated teacher I have known since living in California.

Jill loves teaching children who have unique challenges. She is able to convey that caring feeling to them in a way that motivates them to try their best. She gives them extremely genuine and perfectly-timed and perfectly toned compliments and encouragement. She tells them stories about things that are challenging to her in ways that allow them to relate to her without undermining her authority as their teacher. Jill teaches her students through encouragement and by helping them empathize with each other.

Ms. Tricaso cares about all aspects of her school and is a champion of inclusion for the SDC students at Montair. We wish her well as she retires and want her to know she is going to be missed by the Montair Community.