Outstanding Special Education Staff Nominations

Marlen works hard in everything she does and always gives it her all. Between working here and attending school, she manages it all with dedication and determination.  She is always eager to learn more about teaching and how she can continue improving to better support her students. Our students absolutely love her—she brings a fun, positive energy to the classroom and has a wonderful way of making learning enjoyable for them.  Because of her strong work ethic and genuine passion for education, I know she is going to be an amazing teacher one day.
~Morgan Little

​Tyra Anthony, a paraprofessional at Washington TLC, is a true rockstar when it comes to supporting students with the highest social-emotional needs. She tackles even the toughest challenges with patience and unwavering determination, building real connections with students who need it most. On top of that, she’s always there for her teammates, helping navigate tricky situations without ever complaining. Paraprofessionals like Tyra are the glue that keeps our TLC program running—and we couldn’t do what we do without her!
~Kelsey Barrett

Allison is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is kind and understanding with all her students.
~Caitlyn Thompson

Morgan is an amazing teacher whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. She generously volunteers her time to serve on numerous committees, where she contributes innovative and original ideas and often steps into leadership roles. Morgan is someone who takes initiative and communicates honestly and directly. She is an excellent spokesperson for the preschool teaching staff. I truly appreciate her creativity, determination, and integrity.
~Shelly Post

Michala’s patient and peaceful demeanor is part of what makes her an outstanding teacher. She has a natural ability to calm children and teach creatively using her quiet, soothing voice. For much of the school year, she worked with limited staff and some very challenging students, yet she never complained. We are truly fortunate to have her as one of our Little Panther teachers.
~Shelly Post

Katie is an upbeat, joyful person who spreads cheer wherever she goes. She volunteered to serve as our hospitality leader, which is a perfect role for her. Katie is always willing to help wherever she is needed and consistently brings creative ideas. We are lucky to have her at Little Panthers.
~Shelly Post

Miranda started this school year with enthusiasm, and it has not dimmed. Her energy is contagious; just not sure if her energy is innate or from caffeine! She has worked so hard this year to connect with her students, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. I have been blessed because I was able to work under her this year. 

~Kara Heller

Marsha arrives on time (early) each day, to escort students into school and start their day with a bright smile! She's willing to learn new things, and follows through without reminders.
~Connie Ward

Tammy makes sure that all students in her Adaptive English class are successful. If she sees an academic concern with a student, she makes sure that she provides the appropriate support or if needed calls a team meeting to make sure everyone has input on any changes that may need to be made to best support the student and their educational needs. 

~Ann Heine

Alexis is very Tech Savvy, so the students rely on her support in their Elective classes. She is always ready to help me out also!
~Connie Ward

Melissa's love for her job and the students she encounters shines brightly through her. Her daily positivity makes her a joy to be around and to work with. Each person she comes in contact with is for the better just because they know her. The high school is inheriting a true gem next school year.
~Kara Heller

Kim brings such a positive spirit to Barton County Special Services. She cares deeply for students and makes the time to check on co-workers in need. Kim’s work ethic is amazing! She is always the first person to volunteer to help others. Kim is the epitome of a team player! 

~Jana Miessler

She has completely transformed the/our classroom with routine and consistency! 
~Tracy Zaffuto

While beginning her college classes in the R-TAP program, Sierrah continues to show up each day ready to support the students in our classroom. She brings a positive attitude, supports our staff, and always jumps in wherever help is needed. I’m proud of the hard work she’s putting into returning to school and the way she maintains such a positive outlook, even when balancing the stress of classes. We’re so fortunate to have her in our room supporting our students.
~Melissa Lutt

Tyra is a staple in our classroom whose reliability and dedication never go unnoticed. They consistently show up for our students, always putting their needs first and going above and beyond to support their growth and success.  
~Patricia Cauthon

Connie does things no one else can do. She's a superhero in the world of Special Education. She can be seen literally running at 7:15 am in order have breakfast ready for her kids.
~Kyle Jeffrey 

She always goes above and beyond for students and staff.
~Lisa Welty 

She is works very hard to keep a lot of things rolling smoothly and does it with grace. She is taking care of special education in 2 different schools. 
~Samantha Teri

Sarah always keeps the whole team in mind, caring for the wellbeing of each team member. She sacrifices her personal time to help others.  ~Connie Ward

I'm nominating Denise because I think she does an outstanding job making herself available to any and all questions I have. She is good at her job and is a great part of BCSS.
~Miranda Zink 

She goes far and beyond in her job. She cares for her students and whats best for them. She also is the same way with her staff and is always the first one to jump to any challenge or obstacles before allowing any staff to make sure everyone is safe. She is an amazing person to work for.
~Casey Jording 

She is an awesome person, She shows patiences, with they students , and  staff. She leads with confidence and respect.
~Heidi Freeman

She came into my classroom not knowing much about special services at all or how to work with certain students. She has taken everything in stride and has asked questions and is becoming a rockstar with student relationships and working one on one. She has really stepped up to show outstanding support and willingness to learn and gain knowledge to apply it to her work!
~Sarah Allison 

She is a sweet and kind person and makes everyone feel welcome.
~Sierrah Elkins

She’s been amazing with the kids in the classroom they have made a lot of progress and get a lot more things done in the classroom so glad to be apart of this team/classroom.
~Cierra Bale

She preforms above and beyond. Always right on top of what the students need to succeed.
~Marsha Andrulis

She is awesome at her job!
~Hilda Montes

Kari is always willing to lend a hand and assist with any situation. She is also someone who lets you vent and then offers advice.
~Caitlyn Thompson

Kari goes above and beyond to support multiple classrooms, schools and teams. She spends countless hours working on visuals, schedules, and assisting in implementing skills for students across multiple grade and academic levels. ~Tricia Cauthon 

She is always willing to help out, very kind, and knowledgeable. She keeps everything for ECSE so organized and running smoothly. She'd help anyone and everyone she could. ~Morgan Little 

Cierra consistently is going above and beyond. She’s always willing to lend a hand, steps up without being asked, and plays a huge role in keeping things running smoothly. ~Caitlyn Thompson 

Her capabilities and commitment to student excellence are exemplary. ~Cynthia Brack 

Mrs. Ward always has the best dedication to our students and she cares so much about them!  ~Sandra Lopez 

I am nominating him because he is very thorough when working with students . He is very understanding and calm when he speaks to the students and assists them with learning new skills on a daily basis. ~Trish Berger 

Sarah has taken on a lot this year with piloting a new curriculum, letters and then adding helping me to the mix. She does it with grace and is always willing to answer any and all questions I have without skipping a beat in her other responsibilities. I appreciate her! ~Miranda Zink 

Very kind, loves her job and does such a wonderful job, makes students and other coworkers feel seen and heard ~Calli Riley 

Sam always goes above and beyond with helping those around her. She has been an amazing mentor and colleague. ~Jade Wilson 

Tammy is always coming in to work in a great mood that spreads to all who is around her. She has a great attitude and outlook on things, and will help anyone that needs it. Her students love her, and you can tell she loves them as well by the relationships she has built with each one. ~Anne Davison 

Miranda is in her first year teaching with us here at the GBMS. She has done a great job with her students and changing things when needed. She has a heart for the kids and I believe they all feel that. I am excited to have her on our team! ~Melissa Long 

Jana is an expert in her role as a School Psychologist Assistant and a vital part of our special education team. She collaborates closely with staff to ensuring that all processes run smoothly and efficiently. Jana consistently goes above and beyond in her responsibilities. Jana is an invaluable asset to our team and contribute significantly to the success of our students and staff. Her dedication, professionalism, and expertise truly deserve recognition. ~Kim Maxwell 

Hannah had adjusted to many changes over the past few years. She has taken these in stride, all along managing a busy lifestyle as a mama of 4 young kiddos. I admire her classroom management. She maintains so much patience, yet has great presence and authority. ~Amy Haxton 

She is great with the kids. She is always so positive. I love how she has a smile on her face even on the hard days. ~Davina McPhee 

Caitlyn is doing amazing with our kiddos in the classroom. She’s an amazing person and she has set up a routine that helps out a lot with our students. ~Cierra Bale 

She is firm but kind.  Debbie helps each child and has an excellent ability to read kids. In difficult situations she remains calm .  Debbie makes the day go by with laughter and fun for all. ~Marlene Palmer

She is always helping others!! ~Hilda Montes

Cheyenne always goes above and beyond to help people. ~Stacy Kahnt

Anne has done a fantastic job getting settled in at the high school. She has connected with her students and reignited their love and appreciation for science. We're so lucky to have her here! Amazing job Anne!! ~Tammy Cline

I love the way she "connects" with the students.  She is also very respectful to staff! ~Jackie Noel

She is always willing to help out with anything whether it is personal or professional. She is always willing to listen to her staff's ideas as well as offer insight on what our next steps should be when working with a student. She has an inviting classroom and she strives to make sure her staff is laughing as well as the students. ~Stacy Strecker