SSD Salutes 2023
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Lasting Impression 2023
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The Lasting Impression Award honors SSD staff who positively impact students through support outside of the classroom. Social workers, therapists, bus drivers, maintenance workers, specialists, and many more, contribute to each student’s experience in countless ways, leaving a lasting impression. This year's honorees reflect the vastness of this talented group and demonstrate that every job at SSD offers us the opportunity to be part of something special.
Congratulations to our Lasting Impression Award winners for 2023!
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Click on the photos to learn more about our 2023 Lasting Impression winners!
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Miiko Adams
Miiko Adams
Bus Driver
Central Garage, Special School District“Miiko doesn’t just safely drive her students to and from school and home; she ensures each one of her students feels welcomed, loved, and proud to be on her bus. Her passion and dedication to students and families goes beyond the bus doors.” - Jessica Quest
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Tracey Barroso
Tracey Barroso
Director of Employee Relations
Special School District“Ms. Barroso inspires her team to excel. She creates a collaborative environment and promotes each team member's individual and collective growth so that we can all better serve the district and its students. She is a pleasure to work with and learn from and leads by example.” - Dana LaTempt
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Michelle Cullen
Michelle Cullen
Speech Language Pathologist
Early Childhood, Normandy School Collaborative“Michelle truly cares deeply about each and every student, staff, and family member she comes in contact with, making everyone feel valued and important. She radiates calm in the thick of the chaos and motivates each and every staff member to be a champion for our students.” - Julie Harter
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Sarah Kimmel
Sarah Kimmel
Transition Facilitator
Neuwoehner High School, Special School District“Sarah is extremely experienced and is always willing to educate others on transition topics. She is reliable, hard-working, and an effective communicator and shows no hesitation to help in whatever way she can.” - Michelle Cantino
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Jennifer Koch
Jennifer Koch
Administrative Assistant for Early Childhood Special Education
Special School District“Jen continues positively influencing our ECSE Department as our department/administrative assistant. Her ability to build relationships, design/implement department processes, and support each colleague and administrator is unmatched. We appreciate her commitment to ECSE and are thankful that she is a part of this team.” - Elizabeth Kenner
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Charlotte Liesman
Charlotte Liesman
Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA)
Parkway Schools and Valley Park School District“Charlotte Liesman is an incredible behavior analyst, trainer, and person. Our students have made incredible progress since she joined our team. She brings so much knowledge and joy to our district.” - Christian Werner
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Debbie Pleimann
Debbie Pleimann
Adult Ed Admissions Specialist
Applied Tech, Special School District“Debbie Pleimann is truly a remarkable woman who demonstrates unwavering commitment and compassion to serve. She inspires her colleagues, friends, and family to navigate each day of life with an open and kind heart.” - Kimberly Schweiker
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Patricia J. Waters
Patricia Waters
Food Service
Ackerman School, Special School District“Mrs. PJ isn't just a part of our school family. In a lot of ways, she makes our school a family. The way she cares for and is dedicated to every person in the building makes us all better people. She is a cherished part of our lives.” - Stephanie Jones
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Jeff Wiggs
Jeff Wiggs
Security Officer
Litzsinger School, Special School District“Officer Jeff Wiggs takes the time to get to know the students of Litzsinger. He cares about each student as a unique person with strengths others might not always see. His ability to support students through challenges while respecting their dignity and individuality is commendable. He makes a difference in the lives of everyone at Litzsinger School” - Kathy Russ
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Rebecca Yust
Rebecca Yust
Speech Language Pathologist
Tillman Elementary, Kirkwood School District“Mrs. Yust is an exceptional speech-language pathologist who goes above and beyond to ensure her students advance in their language and speech skills. She is a leader that continuously helps guide the special education staff here at Tillman by always maintaining and modeling positive and professional relationships with all staff and students. Her positive and professional attitude along with her dedication to supporting her coworkers makes her an asset to the school community.” - Therese Shain