Sarah Chafins. During the final week of school prior to Christmas break, Sarah and I continued our annual tradition of preparing pancakes with our occupational therapy students as a meaningful way to address therapy minutes. This activity has become a well-known and highly anticipated tradition among our students and staff alike. This year, Sarah introduced mini Christmas-themed waffle makers, which were a tremendous success with the students. Each year, Sarah goes above and beyond to ensure the week is well organized and fully prepared by providing all necessary cooking supplies and ingredients. Butter, Syrup, sprinkles, and juice were generously supplied by Sarah, allowing more than 70 occupational therapy students to enjoy a small but memorable treat. Our students talk about this experience throughout the year. Sarah has truly transformed this tradition into a positive and lasting memory for everyone involved.
~ Jenna Wessell
Lyndsey Croskey and Meridian Smith. These ladies always create a loving and fun environment. You both lead by example every day!
~ Amy Spurgeon
Corey Todd for quickly addressing my Adobe issue and getting it back on my computer in no time. It was greatly helpful and appreciated!
~ Mikala Carpenter
Taylor Estrada-Guerrero, Kristen Smiddy, and Jackie Roehrig. I love teaching and working with these three ladies! They encourage, help, support, and bless me every week! I am thankful that God has blessed me with a great team to make the best days better and the hard days bearable!!!
~ Sandi Klausing
Michelle Kruse, Lisa Gondwe, and Shanna Sidle for showing me the ropes as I filled in for Shanna in January. You all really made me feel right at home and at ease. You all are an amazing team and I have really enjoyed working with all of you.
~ Gracie Ayers
Stacy Elchinger. Thank you for being a great boss and for all the hard work you do for our team. I am grateful for your guidance and insight in the classroom and in the field. I'm glad to know I can always drop you a line if I ever have a question or need anything!
~ Gracie Ayers
Angie Burton. You are a respected team member working to support the needs of students at the HOPE Center. Over the year, Angie has collaborated with teaching staff and has tried different strategies to support student success in the classroom. Thank you, Mrs. Burton for leading with H.E.A.R.T.
~ Johanna Sutton
Josie Avina and Nicole Spangler. Thank you for taking on extra hours to fill the vacant New Horizons bus position! Your willingness to begin your workday much earlier than normal certainly does not go unnoticed. The dedication, dependability, and positive attitudes you both display help set the tone for a great day for our students.
~ Emily Gerken
Katelyn Yenser, Brody Flegal, Alicia Coburn, India Kenner, Jodie Sabins, Destiny Hill, Angie Burton. You guys are great to work with. I appreciate your help and teamwork. I believe that we all work great together.
~ Sara Link
Brody Flegal. Thank you for all of your help and understanding throughout this year. You are truly appreciated.
~ Sara Link
Bronwyn Seiler is a passionate and dedicated paraprofessional turned classroom teacher in November 2025. Since stepping into her teaching role, Bronwyn has created a positive and engaging classroom environment at the IEC for teaching staff and students. Bronwyn leads with patience and understanding for each individual learner in her classroom. Keep doing great things!
~ Johanna Sutton
India Kenner is an instructional assistant at the HOPE Center in Edgerton. India is well loved by students and takes on initiatives to support teaching staff. She advocates for her students and works collaboratively to create a fun and engaging classroom environment.
~ Johanna Sutton
Jennifer Pettit is an amazing OT who brings creativity, kindness, and heart into everything she does. You are always willing to help, always putting students first, and your passion truly shines through. Thanks for always sharing your light!
~ Stacy Rutledge
Glenda Funnell. This is a huge shout out to an outstanding itinerant teacher! Your clear communication, willingness to help problem-solve, and deep care for your students makes such a difference. Thank you for being such a supportive teammate!
~ Stacy Rutledge
Emily Gerken is a supervisor who I greatly appreciate for several reasons. Most importantly, she consistently listens to my questions and concerns, offering assistance and solutions that enhance my job and positively impacts my students' education and lives. Emily makes me feel heard and valued, which reinforces my sense of being a trusted professional in my role.
~ Jenny Deuel