Ms. Adams is a great ST who has helped my daughter become more expressive in her language in the classroom. She communicates well with parents and is responsive to parent suggestions.

Ms. Cassie is an exceptional OT who guides students and families through high school. She works closely with students to identify their strengths and helps them develop the skills needed for vocational training and employment. She is a great problem solver.

Mr. Boheler is an exceptional transition facilitator in special education. He guides students and their families through critical steps from school to adulthood with care and expertise. He tries to ensure that every student is set up for long term success.

Ms. Boylan through individualized instruction, creative teaching strategies and consistent encouragement, she helps my daughter overcome challenges and celebrate achievements. We are so fortunate to have her in our school district.

Ms. DeFir has been fantastic in helping my daughter's AC classroom when there is a staff shortage. She is kind, patient and understanding of the different needs of the students. She does a fantastic job supporting the students in the summer program too.

Mr. Mureno is very responsive and supportive of the EC program. His smile and willingness to help is like a ray of sunshine.

Mr. Nelson always provides a fun adapted PE class for my daughter's AC classroom. She is more physically active, enjoys more racket games like pickleball because of the frequent exposure and skills building during the APE time.

Ms. Terri's calm demeanor and positive attitude creates a safe space for students to grow socially and emotionally. She is an exceptional teacher assistant who brings warmth and understanding to the classroom every day.

Ms. Richardson is an exceptional teacher assistant whose dedication, patience and compassion truly set her apart. Her ability to connect with the students and belief in their potential will make a difference to the students and their families.

Ms. Thomas is always responsive to my emails and is student centric. She is open to suggestions from the EC parents and is supportive of the EC program

Ms Agee is an amazing human being, always very responsive and understanding both as a counselor and member of our awesome IEP team. This allows my child to be successful and feel they have a place at school.

My daughter is in the OCS program at Chapel Hill High School, where Gaya works as her TA. Gaya has been an incredible support for my daughter: caring, attentive, and committed to my daughter's intellectual development. She understands kids who are developmentally different and takes the time to talk to me about patterns in my daughter's behavior so I can help support her at home. TAs like Gaya are a major asset to the EC program.

A wonderful math teacher, always very encouraging and supportive. Makes time to help and explain the subject during lunch, understands the support needed to be successful in math. Thank you.

Ms Levins is an amazing part of our IEP team, she has made a big difference in my child receiving the understanding and accommodations required to be successful at Chapel Hill High School. Thank you.

Michael deserves recognition for his outstanding dedication and effectiveness in his role as EC Resource teacher and chair of the EC department. His calm demeanor and quiet presence creates a supportive environment not only for his colleagues but also the children he works with so thoughtfully.

He consistently engages with children in meaningful, compassionate ways- listening to their voice, meeting them where they are on any given day. His room is more than just a classroom -it's a safe space where students can come to work, take a break, or simply be kids. Michael's calm presence make it easy for kids to open up, and his consistent support helps them feel secure no matter what challenges they may be facing. He meets each child where they are and creates the conditions for them to grow- not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well. In doing so, he fosters not only success, but belonging.

Michael takes on tasks that often seem undoable and somehow makes them work, finding solutions with creativity, perseverance, and grace. On top of managing his classroom groups, leading the department, facilitating multiple IEP meetings and supporting his colleagues, he spends much of his day addressing unexpected challenges. Through it all, he maintains a positive outlook and an unwavering commitment to do what's best for the kids. He does all of this quietly, without seeking recognition and too often goes unthanked -yet the impact he makes each day is immeasurable. Michael truly believes kids first!

Dock brings all the best attributes of great coaching to his instruction of kids in the OCS program. He holds the kids to high standards and urges them to keep growing. My autistic daughter found structure and support in his classroom. It's been a huge relief for us following years of turmoil in another school district. We're grateful for his professionalism and commitment to his students.

Ms. Catt is one of the only staff that our nonspeaking daughter trusts within the school system. Because of this, she is able to learn and thrive!

Anne has worked with my son for several years.  She always goes above and beyond to help him be the best he can be, helping him learn to communicate better to be more involved in the world around him.  We're so grateful to have her working with him and we're so lucky to have someone like her.  She has also worked with me to help learn more about my son’s communication device.   She truly cares about her students and is definitely making a difference one student at a time.  She is the best speech therapist we have ever worked with.  CHCCS is so lucky to have her.

Cassie has worked with my son for several years.  She is so dedicated and works to help my son be his best, helping him to learn the needed skills he will use throughout life.  She advocates for him at IEP meetings.  She communicates with me often and shares skills with me to work on at home with him.  She is the best school OT we have ever had.  We are so lucky to have her working with us and CHCCS is so lucky to have such a highly qualified OT working with the students.  She is making such a difference with our child and all of her students.  We hope she will be there throughout our son’s last years in school.

Ms Vrooman has been such a great teacher for my son.  My son has special needs and she encourages him to use his creativity to mold and paint.  The hands on aspect of ceramics has been so great for his OT.  He is so excited about picking the colors for his projects and has such pride in showing me his accomplishments.  Some teachers wouldn't bother to work with my son because it can be challenging, but Ms Vrooman really goes the extra mile to include him.  She is really making a difference in my son’s life and bringing out an artistic side of him that we had never seen.  We feel so blessed to have her working with our son.

Ms Dennison works with my son with EC Transition services.  She has been like a breath of fresh air, always willing to help my son and us as parents.  She has the most positive and uplifting attitude, always available to answer any questions.  She devotes her on time, unpaid, to make sure the EC students can also enjoy their high school prom experience, just like their neurotypical peers.  She is helping our son develop skills to live his best life possible after high school.  She has been an advocate for us during IEP meetings.  We are so grateful to have her in our lives and hope that she will be with my son until he graduates.

Ms. Waitt has been a consistent and supportive presence for my child’s experience at Ephesus. She goes above and beyond to design activities that keep him  interested and motivated!

Ms. O'Parks has been a great OT for my child! The activities she designs are fun and focused on student interest and has been a great thought partner on his team over the years!

Ms. Bailey inspired our kids to love the music of Motown — and they haven’t stopped singing since! Learning new things and performing in public has always been a challenge, but she taught the material in such a way that built confidence and allowed for mastery. Thank you Ms. Bailey!

Ms. Fox has demonstrated incredible compassion for our son’s neurodivergent needs and been his champion, helping him learn in the way that works best for him. He feels incredibly supported and seen. Thank you Ms. Fox!

Ms. Shekelle has been incredibly supportive of our son, who at times has struggled with his math work. By giving him the time and space and strategies to learn new skills, he has remained positive and mastered certain things that once seemed impossible to him. She adapted to his needs without judgment, and demonstrated authentic interest in helping him succeed.

For the last two years, Ms. Del Valle has been amazing with our EC student. She has been a constant source of support for my child, while simultaneously encouraging him to be as independent as possible. She has cared for him AND challenged him in the best ways. She has always been an honest, reliable, communicative, and connected partner, and we have never for one moment had to worry or wonder how he is doing. We are grateful for Ms. Del Valle's presence at our school and for the impact she has had for my child. 

As a parent of a student receiving EC services in the CHCCS district, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ms. Judit Dorado-Zimo. Despite the limited resources currently available at FPG, Ms. Dorado-Zimo consistently demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the growth and success of her students. She approaches each child with genuine care, maintaining their academic and personal progress as her highest priority.

Ms. Dorado-Zimo's flexibility, patience, and ability to build meaningful connections with her students create an environment where they feel supported and empowered. She also engages with parents in a way that goes well beyond expectations, fostering a true partnership that centers on the student's best interests and development.

We are truly grateful for her professionalism, dedication, and heart.

Mr. Erik has been amazing with our EC student this year. He, Ms. Randall, and the whole team have worked together to support my child while simultaneously encouraging and facilitating him taking more and more individual responsibility. He truly has gotten to know him as a person and not a diagnosis. And we will always be grateful.

La Sra. Elizabeth ha sido increíble con nuestro estudiante de EC este año. Ella, la Sra. Rodríguez y todo el equipo han trabajado juntos para apoyar a mi hijo, a la vez que lo han animado y facilitado a asumir cada vez más responsabilidad individual. Realmente lo ha conocido como persona y no como un diagnóstico. Y siempre le estaremos agradecidos.

Ms. Randall has been amazing with our EC student this year. She, Mr. Erik, and the whole team have worked together to support my child  while simultaneously encouraging and facilitating him taking more and more individual responsibility. She truly has gotten to know him as a person and not a diagnosis. And we will always be grateful.

La Sra. Rodríguez ha sido increíble con nuestro estudiante de EC este año. Ella, la Sra. Elizabeth y todo el equipo han trabajado juntos para apoyar a , a mi  hijo vez que lo han animado y facilitado a asumir cada vez más responsabilidad individual. Realmente lo ha conocido como persona y no como un diagnóstico. Y siempre le estaremos agradecidos.

Ms. Davis consistently goes above and beyond to support my child. She has taken the time to develop a positive relationship with him. She understands his needs, knows how to use humor to motivate him, and is just a truly gifted, caring teacher. We are so grateful to have her as a TA!

Ms. Drake differentiates instruction to meet all learners’ needs in her 1st grade classroom. She has high standards for all of her students, and they rise to the occasion. We have been lucky to have 2 sons thrive in her class.

Ms. Tolbert has worked with my child for the past 3 years. In addition to being my child’s dedicated EC resource teacher, she is an extraordinary colleague. Ms. Tolbert creates achievable goals, meaningful lessons, and a positive work space for her student's and her colleagues. She is honest and transparent about my son's progress and challenges. I am thankful that I work with Ms. Tolbert and that she is my son's resource teacher!

Mrs. Ennis is a calm, supportive, and caring teacher who understands how to help my daughter feel supported and comfortable in the classroom. My daughter absolutely loves her and talks about her all the time. We love Mrs. Ennis!

Since she started working with Ms. CJ, my daughter’s skills and confidence have soared. Ms. CJ is exceptional at tailoring occupational therapy to a student’s unique needs, bringing positivity, joy, and encouragement to every interaction. She’s always sharing strategies that parents can implement at home, and she’s always willing to meet to discuss my daughter’s progress. We love Ms. CJ!

Ms. Sarah has been my daughter’s speech therapist for two years, and my daughter’s communication skills have skyrocketed. Ms. Sarah’s calm, careful, and caring approach inspires my daughter to learn and grow. Ms. Sarah is highly intelligent and a true expert in her field, so I feel confident in the strategies she uses to help my daughter. She’s also committed to ensuring my daughter’s safety. We love Ms. Sarah!

Mrs. Yoesoep has been such a kind and wonderful presence in my daughter’s life. She sits with my daughter at lunch, helps her understand her schedule, and supports her in her routines. She’s an integral part of my daughter’s school experience. We love her!

I feel so incredibly grateful for Meredith and her team of TAs. Last year Ms. Simon made my child's transition from Pre-K to elementary so smooth. This year she has continued to think creatively about my child's IEP goals and create a really supportive learning environment for my daughter. It is evident that her team loves and respects students and works to create a truly nurturing environment. Thank you so much for helping my child grow!

I am incredibly grateful every time I see you working to include my daughter in general education and events.. Thank you for your patience and sense of humor. It is evident that she has a deep connection with you. We so appreciate you!

Thank you for your patience, respect, and care for my daughter and those in her class. I am incredibly grateful we have had you in her class the last two years.

I'm going to write this every year. I am not sure what we would do without Mary as our child's PT. I've had a lot of turn over the last few years with private PT and Mary has helped us weather all those transitions and challenges with ease. Mary consistently advocates for my child and makes sure that other providers work together for my kiddo. She is a top notch PT but she always goes above and beyond for us. She and the therapy team work creatively to try to achieve IEP goals. Her relationships with outside providers really make issues that would take me hours of advocating a breeze. She is a true asset to my child's team, and I have no doubt she has improved my child's quality of life. Our family cannot thank you enough for your exceptional care.

I’d like to enthusiastically nominate Cat Walsh for a SNAC award. This year, my child started fourth grade at Seawell Elementary School. A new school transition was tough for him. With a 504 in place, he was still struggling. I have had many interactions with the EC team at different schools over the last 10 years of having children in CHCCS. While EC teachers show a high level of dedication to the care and support of their students in need, Cat Walsh goes beyond what is expected. My child struggled more at Seawell, even with scaffolding and support in place with a 504. We met Ms. Walsh during an IEP evaluation meeting. She was precise, logical, shared a personal journey about neurodivergence, and made us feel at ease. Suggestions were made based on the individual child, rather than what might be the “standard supports”. Having an IEP in place has made an enormous difference in my child’s life. My son’s favorite day of the week is Wednesday, when he has art and “Ms. Cat”. This speaks volumes of how much he looks forward to interacting with her, and their social group. Ms. Cat is creative in teaching her students social-emotional learning, incorporating art, visual instruction and solid direction/guidance when our child becomes dysregulated or wants to make a new friend. We are very grateful for Ms. Cat and the EC team at Seawell.

Mrs. T is very caring and thoughtful.

Ms. Barry check's in with our child and offers to help him with his challenges every day. Ms. Barry is very responsive to our emails and coordinates with all of our child's teachers.