Stephanie Tyson, Thank you for always sharing your wisdom and expertise!
~Danielle Lucas
Margaret Falkenberg, Janice Wilhelm, Susan Benson, and Lisa Sturgell for working together to become a wonderful new team. In just four short weeks of getting to know each other and welcoming three new students, we have become a cohesive and productive team that works well together without question. I appreciate the "can do" attitude and all the love that goes into our students. You welcome change and are always willing to try new things. You put the students' needs above everything else. Thank you!
~Kalli Hintz
Stacy Rutledge for being a great OT! She is new to this school based role and has adapted to all the changes so well. She supports me as a COTA and provides fun filled and productive sessions for her students. I'd be lost without her!
~Jennifer Pettit
Erin Elliot for being a great OT! She showed me the ropes last year and prepared me to pass on the knowledge this year. I miss working with her very much. Erin is so organized and very productive. I have used a lot of what I learned from her last year for this year's caseload. Thank you, Erin for being a great mentor.
~Jennifer Pettit
Sabrina Kaiser for being a great OT and for always being patient, kind, and gracious through all the curveballs!
~Jennifer Pettit
Mrs. Sarah Baker, Thank you for always helping us get through the day! You make sure every day is productive and meaningful for the students. You are constantly coming up with fun, engaging activities that keep the students learning and growing. We love Mrs. Sarah - she's an amazing OT with such positivie energy and it truly makes a difference. We appreciate you more than words can say!
~Donna Fe Lirot
Aubrey Reineke and Josie Avina, you are both awesome to work with! We are a great team with our preschool class. I am thankful for both of you. You are awesome friends/coworkers. Thanks for always answering my questions!
~Cynthia Bolich
Work Transition Students - Thank you so much for always laminiating and cutting out materials whenever I need them. You are an awesome crew and I really appreciate your help!
~Glenda Funnell
Chad Rex and Corey Todd, here's a big THANK YOU for your time and support in troubleshooting my work phone during the first week of school. I truly appreciated your help. The new phone arrived quickly and now, everything is running smoothly!
~Glenda Funnell
Christina Nickels, a heartfelt shout out for sharing an inspiring reflection and photos from the 2025 Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome. Your granddaughter, Bristol made incredible progress - walking the course this year on her own! Her message reminds us that "heart health" is about more than movement; it's also about acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating every achievement, big and small. Thank you, Christina for reminding us that wellness goes beyond physical activity - it's about compassion, advocacy, and helping one another shine.
~Kerri Weir and the NwOESC Wellness Committee
Mr. Bob Morton, thank you for your many years of service. For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working under the leadership of Bob Morton, superintendent of Defiance City Schools. Before stepping into that role, Bob and I worked side by side as building principals for a decade - and even before that. He's been a dear friend to my husband and me for more than twenty years. What sets Mr. Morton apart is his remarkable ability to connect with people. His charisma and gift for storytelling can light up any room. He makes everyone feel valued, heard, and appreciated. His door is always open and he welcomes ideas and input from all corners of the district. Since becoming superintendent, Bob has transformed the culture of our schools. Whether it's rallying the pep band and cheerleaders to welcome students on the first day of school or championing positive behavior initiatives through PBIS, he brings energy, pride, and unity to everything he touches. You will often find Mr. Morton out and about - chatting with staff, students, and community members - always approachable, always engaged. His dedication and visibility are a testament to the kind of leader he is: one who leads not just with authority, but with heart.
~Deanne Held
Miss Sara McGill, the Para is an AMAZING aide to a blind student at Crim Elementary who celebrated National White Cane Awareness Day in style with handmade white cane pins for ALL staff, fun activitiy sheets for the students, and posters around the school to help inform everyone about the significance of the white cane for blind and visually impaired people everywhere!!
~Michelle Krolak
The HOPE Center Staff and Related Services. Thank you for all the time, effort, and patience you give to our students each day!
~Brody Flegal
Larry Davis (and my husband, Jacob!) for fixing my ordering mistake by delivering a large and heavy table to the proper location. I greatly appreciate it!
~Mikala Carpenter
Jessica Fredrick for going to every ESC preschool classroom and taking inventory of all the things! She helped clean up our inventory system and I cannot thank her enough!
~Mikala Carpenter
Kaitlyn Yenser, Maddie Evans, India Kenner, Jessie Cottrell, Alicia Coburn, Angie Borton. Thank you for your help and understanding. It is very much appreciated. Also, for being a good team. I believe that all of us work great together to help our students.
~Sara Link