We have opportunities in place for districts to recognize our staff for outstanding customer service, but we felt we also needed a way for ESC employees to recognize each other. Each quarter will focus on one of our Four Dimensions. 

For the first quarter, we focused on Service.

See who was recognized and what was said about them below!

 

Kelsey Anderson - "Kelsey is WONDERFUL for her students and staff. She genuinely cares about others and puts herself first over everyone. She deserves so much for what she does for everyone.", "Above and beyond", and "Kelsey goes above & beyond for her students & her Paras. She has an absolute zest for her purpose in life. She LOVES her students & makes their well-being the most important part of teaching."

Alicia Ayers - "  Alicia is hard working, kind, generous, happy-go-lucky, sweet, and above all, such an amazing person. From the moment you walk in the door, you're going to have an amazing day walking in her room. She works so hard as a mom, but doesn't let that slow her down by any means. She is ready and happy to be here. She loves these kiddos with all her heart. She takes as much time as needed to make sure every child understands what she says, what they are doing, and regardless of how their day was, she loves them through it, gives grace, and tells them how important and validated they are. Every child learns in a different way, and I've gotten the opportunity to watch just how she makes it all work. She shows up every day ready for it all and teaches not just the students but the staff how important our job is, how lucky we are, and how just because you're not blood related, that family can be here too. I am so thankful I was able to meet such an amazing person who turned into my friend and role model. Alicia already shines so bright, I truly think she deserves to be reminded that she is a star."

Don Burley - "Willingness to help and answer questions, and always makes sure you're okay anytime you take to him. always willing to listen and give advice when needed."

Rachel Caldwell - "Rachel is always planning fun activities for the students to be engaged in their learning. She is always willing to help her coworkers when they have a question or to expand on an idea they have."

Ashley Carey - "Ashley Carey exemplifies what it means to serve others at our ESC. In her role as an executive administrative assistant, she goes above and beyond her daily responsibilities — greeting visitors, managing the door and phones with professionalism and care, and ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels welcome and supported. Beyond her official duties, Ashley is the first to ask if her coworkers need help and is always willing to step in wherever she’s needed. Her kindness, teamwork, and reliability make her an essential part of our team. Ashley’s positive attitude and genuine care for others create a welcoming and supportive environment that truly reflects the spirit of service."

Matt Carey - "Matt consistently goes above and beyond to serve our students, staff, and buildings. No matter the task—whether it’s making deliveries, helping a fellow custodian, or simply ensuring every space is clean and welcoming—Matt approaches everything with a positive attitude and a servant’s heart. He never hesitates to lend a hand, often going out of his way to make things easier for others. His dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic truly embody what it means to lead through service. We are so grateful for all he does to support our agency!"

Abbie Cleland - "Abbie has a true heart for serving others. She’s always willing to step in wherever she’s needed and does so with a positive, can-do attitude. Abbie responds thoughtfully and promptly to teacher requests and concerns, making sure everyone feels supported. Her students can always count on her—she shows up for them consistently, on time, and with genuine care. Abbie’s dedication and kindness make her an invaluable part of the team."

Ronny Closson - "Ronny works from behind the scenes to scrape together coverage for positions and rooms in order to keep students in school and keep classrooms safe. This is a thankless job that puts her on call at all hours. Regardless of her own busy household and challenges, Ronny manages to keep us up and running. I'm so appreciative of her service!"

Madison Dixon - "Madison is an amazing person. She steps up and offers her assistance whenever possible. She is a bright light for the students and the staff. She uses her positive behavioral techniques with ease. She is young but so seasoned in caring for the students. I love her demeanor and how she carries her beautiful self. We are very lucky to have crossed her path in life and to have gotten to know her caring heart. She is so beautiful on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside."

Amy Haffner - "Every time I visit the preschool classroom at Mechanicsburg, I notice Amy demonstrating a heart of service through her warm and caring attitude towards others, her willingness to jump in and meet student needs before being asked, and her amazing work ethic and reliability. Her kindness and heart of service make the Mechanicsburg preschool classroom a better place!"

Ashley Hahn - "She is an amazing one-on-one para, but she also is there if needed for the other kids, and the whole class loves her."

Adrienne James - "Adrienne is a great example of service to others. In her new role, she has not only maintained her own caseload but also taken on the responsibility of serving the entire speech staff. This has added an incredible amount of work to her load, as the ESC is short on SLPs. Adrienne has ensured service to others by securing remote SLPs, and has shown up to meetings all across the ESC's service area when others cannot attend or special circumstances arise. Adrienne is incredibly supportive of all staff members of the ESC, not just the SLPS. She doesn't hesitate to share her ideas, expertise, or time, even when her own plate is overly full. That's service!"

Kelly Jetter - "Kelly is the Program Float at YLC, but she is also a superwoman! She has made a huge impact serving one of our youngest students this quarter. She has shown skill, service heart, and exceptional attention to detail while tracking data. In addition to all this, she is continuing her day job as the program float for the entire program.  Kelly is not only serving one special student, she is serving our entire program. Congratulations, Kelly, on a job well done!"

Elyzabeth Johnson - "Libby goes out of her way to help others. She encourages them to do their best. She encourages them to try new ideas and routines to make things easier in the classroom environment. She assists them in getting visuals and schedules prepared so it is easier for them to implement. Libby always tries to help teachers see the successes they have in the classroom instead of all the things that they feel like they aren’t getting around to implementing. She is an excellent listener and problem solver."

Denise Jones - "She has made a lot of stuff happen for our kids, like she said she would. She always shows up when we need her and cares about everyone. She supports and serves our kids to the best for them as individuals. We are happy to have her on our team!!" and "Denise has shown up for her staff numerous times already this year by subbing in the classroom. We have appreciated her willingness to step in and serve."

Denise King - "Denise serves others by ALWAYS being a great listener. She is very supportive and helps the kids with everything. She takes the time to understand and explain, and she's a great teacher!"

Karen Kleis - "Karen became the new Life Skills Lab Coordinator and spent many hours this summer and evenings to make this possible, as well as preparing the Lending Library. She is always responsive to feedback and willing to consult with others regarding OT."

Tina Leeper - "Tina is a shining example of what it means to serve in education. As a first-year teacher alongside her, I’ve been able to witness firsthand how her experience as a long-time paraprofessional benefits everyone around her and her own teaching journey. She is always willing to help any staff member or student at any time. Her past students light up when they see her in the halls, asking to give her a hug or share a story about their day, which speaks volumes about the lasting bonds she builds. Tina serves the Madison-Champaign ESC with unwavering positivity and professionalism. She communicates effectively with school officials to ensure they have what they need in a timely manner and goes above and beyond in countless ways. Her kindness and giving spirit truly represent the best of what the ESC has to offer."

Trey MeGehee - "Trey is the epitome of service. He is my mentor teacher, as well as the mentor teacher for several other staff members here in the building. Aside from the official position, he is the unofficial mentor for MULTIPLE staff members, including some in administration, as well as most of the students in the high school hallway. Trey leads with strength and compassion, not with an iron fist. While his words may come out harsh at times, they are always backed by compassion. Trey is tough love and compassion.", "In the short time I’ve been part of ESC, one person has made a lasting impression—Trey. From the very beginning, it was clear that Trey brings something truly special to our school. He is one of the kindest, most genuine souls I have ever met. His passion for his work, his love for the children, and his patience in every situation speak volumes. But beyond all of that, what stands out most is that Trey is a godly man—a man of deep faith who leads by example, with humility, compassion, and grace. His presence is steady and comforting. Whether a child is struggling, a staff member is overwhelmed, or a day simply isn’t going as planned, Trey is there. He offers a helping hand, a listening ear, and open arms. His faith shows in the way he treats others—with love, understanding, and unwavering support. You always feel safe, heard, and accepted in his presence. Trey is generous, courageous, and passionate. He has a gift for seeing each child for who they truly are, celebrating their uniqueness, and knowing just what to say to make things better. He walks through these halls as a reflection of the values he holds dear—kindness, patience, loyalty, and love. Above all, Trey is loyal—not only to this team, but to every student and every person he encounters. He embodies what it means to serve with purpose and heart, and he lives out his faith in the most beautiful, quiet, and powerful ways. There is no one more deserving of this recognition than Trey. He doesn’t just do this work—he lives it, breathes it, and brings light into it every single day.", "He is there to help anyone in any way they need help, whenever. Never complains. He is always compassionate and kind. Very caring.", "Super helpful to students and staff. Always has the students' best interest at heart. Much needed at Mac.", "Trey is an invaluable asset to both students and staff at Mac. He is always willing to help when called upon in any situation. His experience, knowledge, and logical thinking make him a go-to for his opinion and advice. Our kids look up to Trey and respect him. I can't count how many times I've heard, 'Can I go tell Trey?' when a student has had a great day or has news to share.", "Excellent teacher, bus driver, and friend!", "Trey has an outstanding dedication to serving others in the classroom, throughout the school, and within the ESC. Trey consistently leads by example, offering support to others with thoughtfulness, patience, honesty, and kindness. Whether he's teaching students, mentoring those around him, or stepping up in leadership roles, Trey demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating a positive and impactful environment. His actions reflect integrity, responsibility, and a deep sense of service that truly makes a difference.", "Trey is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in the building. He is very knowledgeable about different strategies to help our students be successful. He is an awesome leader, teacher, and friend. He is a great role model not only for the students, but for the other staff as well.", "I have worked with Trey for over 10 years. In that time, he has become someone I go to regularly for advice, so much so that he is now my mentor in continuing my education to become a teacher. He shares his skills and knowledge with me and helps me whenever I ask him, even on the weekends. Trey has never once hesitated to help me or anyone when they ask for it. When someone needs help at work, the first person they ask is ALWAYS Trey! He knows how the program works, he knows TCI, and he knows how to be kind, selfless, empathetic, and compassionate. Trey's not-so-small everyday acts of kindness and willingness to help are big gestures. Those gestures build strong relationships with the building staff and help us work as a team to best support our students. Trey is the foundation of our Lego set and the definition of serving others!", "Trey is someone who truly understands what it means to serve others. He believes that putting others first is not a sign of weakness but of strength and purpose. Every day, Trey makes decisions that impact those around him, and even when the choices are difficult, he takes time to consider how his actions will affect others. He doesn’t just focus on his own success—he looks for ways to help others grow and succeed as well. Trey’s leadership is guided by compassion. Whether he’s offering encouragement to someone who’s struggling or taking time to listen when others need to be heard, he shows genuine care in both word and deed. His ability to listen with intent makes people feel valued and understood, creating a sense of trust and respect. By putting others first, Trey fosters a positive environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to do their best. He understands that true service is not about recognition or reward—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others. Through his actions, Trey shows that serving others begins with empathy, grows through intentional listening, and flourishes when we make decisions that place people above personal gain.", "Trey is always willing to help others. He is someone I can go to if I have a question or concern. Trey not only cares about his students but also about students throughout the building. He has proven in so many ways to be a great asset to Mac A Cheek.", "I have known Trey for 6 years now. Trey has been someone that I could go to when I needed advice. He has shared skills and knowledge with me. He has always been willing to help when needed. Trey shows empathy and compassion for everyone around.", "Trey goes above and beyond to encourage students to make the right choice. He helps to de-escalate situations with students outside of the classroom. If staff needs help, Trey is right there with advice or anything else we need. The students look up to Trey and respect him.", "Trey's experience in TCI and the MAC Steps and Levels program makes him an expert resource to his fellow teachers and staff from his experiences over the years dealing with our particular level of students. He will gladly let us pick his brain as to improving our Critical Forms before we turn them in, or for something else that might work with a particular student, when I think I have run out of tools in my toolkit. Trey has talked down my students from Agitated to Calm when they were focused on me. Trey comes to the aid of all teachers and staff should they need physical support when a student is a threat to themselves and others. Which can be daily.", and "Trey dedicates his time here at Mac to both his students and fellow colleagues, spending many countless hours both during and after work to develop solutions and solve problems as they arise. Trey's dedication to everyone around him makes him irreplaceable and, more importantly, those around him better."

Brittany Mills - "Brittany goes above and beyond the hours of the job. She works until the job is done because she puts our students first! She is always willing to help me, a student, or others if and when something needs to be done, and expects nothing in return. I am thankful for her every day!"

Mary Mitchell - "Mary has a heart of gold. She has a lot of staff to consider in her position. She took the lead and put her staff at Yoder and Harmony Hall in the right direction to cope with the tragedy that they experienced in October. Her heart was genuinely broken for the staff that was hurting. Her presence with her staff was so appreciated by so many. She stood behind everything that she talked about at the opening meetings that we have every year. The amount of respect that the staff have for her because of her giving, a genuine act of pure love for all of us, is astronomical. We are all so appreciative of her acts of kindness and the empathy that she gave all of us. I’m not even sure if Mary is supposed to be considered for a service award, but I just couldn’t let this go and not do one for her. She definitely made a hard, difficult time in our lives a bit easier to cope with by supplying time, counseling, food, and a shoulder to cry on. Thank you, Mary, for giving all of us time with each other to be there and share our memories for a beautiful girl that we all loved."

Melinda Monteith - "Melinda relentlessly pursues information, provides assistance, and assimilates information to serve our classrooms and provide resources. She helps in the midst of her own very busy life and will not let go of something until it is accomplished. She is a tremendous asset to our program!"

Amanda Mounce - "Absolutely"

Ashley Quimby - "Ashley intentionally thinks about how she can reorganize her classroom environment and her instruction to help serve her students daily. Even when things are frustrating, she looks at the bright side of Student achievement, even if it’s just minimal. She is reliable and positive." and "Ashley is new to the ESC this year, serving others in an Urbana Preschool structured classroom as the teacher. She has students with many challenging behaviors. Ashley has provided them with a calm classroom, a variety of daily activities, a large visual schedule to help with transitions, a routine schedule, expectations for students' participation, and flexibility to meet the needs of her students. She is doing an exceptional job, and many people have commented on how well she is doing. Ashley has demonstrated a wonderful example of serving others. I consider myself very fortunate to have such a dedicated co-worker!"

Kirby Rader - "Kirby Rader is always going out of her way to help our students have a wonderful experience when we go to the life skills lab and when teaching them. She has helped to plan and implement our days at the lab. She has helped to plan the days so it include a person from the community if possible, hands-on experiences, and will even take on and lead groups as needed on lab days and throughout the school year in the classroom. She is an amazing speech therapist and definitely is a servant leader."

Betsy Reames - "She goes above and beyond to be so welcoming and inviting to not just students but staff. She is always so kind and sincere with every word she says, and can always put a smile on your face. Over the few months that I have been here, I've gotten the chance to see Betsy work with some students and watch how calm she is, how she gets on their level, understands them, and is so nurturing with them. Truly a sight to see. She is always asking how people are doing and how she can help them. I think she shines bright and is an amazing example of what parents pray their teachers will be."

Susan Reames - "Susan does an awesome job helping others. Whenever I've asked her to do something, she is always willing. If she sees that something needs to be done and she thinks I don't have time to do it, she will volunteer to do it. Thanks, Susan!"

Sade Richards - "School Psychologist that consistently goes above and beyond to support kids at risk. I have been in many meetings with Sade, and I have seen firsthand her generosity of spirit and her willingness to go above and beyond the "minimum" to make sure that students get a good evacuation and compassionate care. She is also very accessible to parents, and I believe a good portion of them have come to trust her in her capacity."

Sheila Roberts - "Shelia made her staff at Yoder Learning Center and Harmony Hall feel like they mattered with a very difficult event. She showed up and offered her emotional support and her shoulders to cry on. She showed empathy to each one of us. She helped organize counseling sessions for staff, and she made sure all staff were supported. The staff felt her genuine heart felt care given to each one of us. Shelia has always been the ESC rock in my eyes. She is strong when needed, but also soft when needed. I look up to her for her consistency and strength, and her sweet demeanor."

Marlene Toops - "Marlene serves the YLC and the K-1 Classroom by providing individual support for a student and by serving as our classroom para as well. She is wearing two hats and making it look so easy. She is helping reinforce lessons, assisting the teacher, and creating a learning environment that is safe and inclusive for our learners. She provides each student with the care she can, supports emotional and behavioral needs, and is a special classroom manager for us all. She is a reminder that the role of a paraprofessional is essential."

Jesse Tropeano - "Jesse assisted staff with the new progress report format on SameGoal. This was helpful and very much appreciated!"

Kayla Woolever - "Kayla has made a number of positive changes in her new role as principal of Yoder Learning Center. She does what is necessary to support the staff through the many trials our team has experienced this year. Kayla makes herself readily accessible to staff while holding each of us accountable in a positive way. She is doing a great job serving others!", and "Kayla is an extraordinary addition to the Yoder Learning Center Team. She is open to suggestions, follows through on things she says she will do, keeps all staff informed of what is going on, and above all was exceptionally kind and understanding to all staff throughout the death and funeral of Faith."

The members of the Community STARs Committee: Don Burley, Ashley Carey, Sonia Hackathorne, Libby Johnson, Denise Jones, Matthew Ketcham, Sheila Roberts, Kristie Suchland - "These individuals volunteer their time to organize an awards ceremony recognizing staff and students from our districts for their service efforts. They spend time collecting and organizing donations, reaching out to local businesses to help sponsor the event, creating a space that is special for our awardees, and overall helping to ensure that we honor our districts' STAR staff and students. This work is strictly volunteer, and these individuals work collaboratively to make it all happen smoothly."