Congratulations to the 2024 Duxbury SEPAC Shining Light Award Winners
Shelley Thomas
2024 Excellence Award Recipient
Duxbury Middle School
“Thank goodness for Ms. Thomas.”
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve repeated this phrase over the past two years, but my husband insists it’s enough to qualify as a soundtrack to our lives. Against the clamorous backdrop of Middle School, with all its academic pressures and emotional pitfalls, Shelley Thomas has been a calming influence, a guiding hand, a reassuring voice, and a constant advocate to our 7th grade son with ASD. I’ve often asked her (only half-jokingly) if she has any other kids in her class besides our son, because the amount of time she devotes to our family is so generous as to feel almost exclusive. Like many neurodivergent students, our son brings both formidable talents and significant triggers to the table. Very often, his frustration and anxiety threaten to derail his academic achievements and progress. Ms. Thomas is almost preternaturally attuned to his moods; she knows when he needs to step away from a task, or when he needs to rise to a particular challenge. This flexible approach has not only helped our son to navigate the highs and lows of Middle School, but it’s also become a model for him to follow, allowing him to develop his own self-regulating skills.”
“Like all great educators, Ms. Thomas meets students where they’re at, but she still manages to recognize and optimize their potential. “
“…the positive impact that Ms. Thomas has had on our son will stay with him—and us—forever. For all these reasons—and so many more—Shelley Thomas will always be our favorite person.
Lindsey Bryan
Duxbury High School
Mrs. Bryan is an excellent teacher. First off, she really took the time to get to know my daughter. By building a relationship with her, my daughter learned very quickly that she was going to be a person who could help her at any time! Her patience, organization, and knowledge have helped my daughter navigate this incredibly huge transition from middle school to high school. Lindsay is also a wonderful advocate and partner with us. She is very good at communicating and establishing a collaborative approach to my daughter’s academic needs. We are incredibly grateful for all she has done this year! Thank you Lindsay!
Michelle McKay
Alden School
“Mrs. McKay’s approach, characterized by empathy and genuine concern, helped [our son] overcome his initial challenges and develop a sense of security and belonging at Alden Elementary School.
Not only did he know that Mrs. McKay was there to support him fully, he also knew that she valued our input as parents. [Our son] knew we were a team. She listened to our thoughts and concerns, shared her own, and together we figured out what was best for him. We truly had a partner in his educational journey.
Mrs. McKay's unwavering commitment to Gian's academic and emotional growth exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator. Her inclusive approach, dedication to students' continual learning, recognition of students' holistic needs, and value of parental involvement exemplify the qualities of an outstanding educator. Our family is deeply grateful for Mrs. McKay's invaluable contributions to his education and well-being..
Merissa Walsh
Chandler School
I’d like to nominate kindergarten special ed teacher Merissa Walsh for her dedication and collaborative approach with us as parents to co-design [our son]’s educational environment. She has demonstrated a proactive and inclusive communicative style and engaged with us as parents, which not only supports but enhances our son’s learning environment, and helps us feel more practically involved in his development. Her willingness to explore and implement neurodiversity-affirming approaches and also troubleshoot and problem-solve as partners in this process has made an impact, and in our faith in the power of individuals’ roles in our son’s educational trajectory. Merissa’s willingness to understand and cater to diverse learning needs has not only supported [his] academic growth but indirectly fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance among all her students. Examples include her proactive suggestions of novel supports …, regular communications on his progress in different forms to reach a modality that worked for all, and the regular identification of areas where we can further dig in and problem solve or try different techniques as a team. Thanks Merissa for your help and partnership!
Rachel Files Goulding
Duxbury Middle School
Family #1: Rachel has been a tremendous support to my son this year. He has had to miss several days of school due to a medical issue and she has helped facilitate anything he has needed to get him back on track and helped reduce his stress in the meantime. She does a great job of communicating with teachers on behalf of the students while balancing that with teaching independence. She has great systems for helping with executive functioning challenges. She is responsive, organized and an all around fantastic educator who is deserving of this recognition.
Family #2:
Rachel is incredibly organized and effective in her ability to communicate with teachers about student needs. She is very responsive and open to collaborating with parents. She also takes the time to get to know her students. My daughter always feels comfortable going to her for help! My daughter has had a wonderful transition to middle school and I know Rachel has been behind the scenes advocating for what she needs to be successful! Thank you Rachel for all that you do!
Cheryl White
Duxbury Middle School
“I would like to recognize Cheryl White, a longtime special educator who is especially gifted with students who have complex profiles. Cheryl is adept at detecting the most subtle signs of anxiety and takes the time needed to prepare lessons with a strengths-and-interest-based approach to break through the anxiety barrier. She engages the student by weaving their interests into the lessons to hold the child’s attention and build positive associations with schoolwork, which can be enormously intimidating to children with multiple disabilities! Lastly, Cheryl’s sense of humor and flexibility to meet a student where they are at, creates an atmosphere where students are relaxed and free to be themselves while they learn. Cheryl views parents as an integral member of the team and actively seeks their input and knowledge of their child throughout the team process. Thank you, Cheryl, for your exceptional dedication to improving the well-being of complex learners by providing them with your skillfully crafted opportunities to shine!”
Nicole Ochs
Duxbury Middle School
Nicole has been extremely supportive, resourceful, and accessible. My son had some medical issues this year and she has been a great advocate for him but even prior to that she makes herself available any time we have needed anything. She is knowledgeable, a great listener and an all around kind person. A Shining Light for sure!
Heather Thevenin
Alden School
“[Heather] is so dedicated to [our son’s] success as a student and little human. I have never encountered anyone approach … a situation with her level of skill, professionalism and heart.
She wants to make sure [students] know there is someone at school who cares about them and who is there for them.
She's 100% changed [our son’s] life and his trajectory. We are forever grateful for Heather.”
Ashley Morrison
Duxbury High School
“Ashley has been an amazing influence on our [child’s] life--both in the classroom and outside of it…It is clear that Ashley cares deeply about her students, makes the time to get to know them, hear about their interests, and invests her personal time to show her support so they know she is invested in them. The positive impact she has made can't be put into words other than to state that [our child] would not be where she is today at the high school without Ashley. We are so thankful…We can't think of a more worthy nominee for this award.”
Molly Strauss
Chandler School
“Mrs. Strauss creates a supportive environment where students with all different abilities can thrive and learn together. Whether it is adapting assignments or providing extra support, Mrs. Strauss goes above and beyond to ensure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. Her commitment and communication (with students, parents and co-teachers) is unmatched and has made such a positive impact on her students. There is no doubt in my mind that Mrs. Strauss is the reason my [children] have both made so much progress this school year.”
Kerstin Adami-Barrett
Duxbury Middle School
“Ms. Adami-Barrett went above and beyond … by observing, assessing, and actively listening without judgement…Her efforts have changed the trajectory of [our child’s] academic career, and I am forever grateful for her collaboration and feedback.”
Ashley Brust
Duxbury Middle School
“Ms. Brust has advocated for my student, assisted him with support and is always available when I need information, guidance or support. She is responsive in a timely manner, willing to engage in problem solving and helps advocate with systems within the school. I believe she was instrumental in helping my son access supports that were previously not available to him. We appreciate her efforts!”