Twelve Guilderland Central School District employees were honored at the district’s 46th Employee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 1. These exceptional staff members were nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a committee of peers in recognition of the extraordinary work they perform each day. This year’s honorees were:
Joan Clauson, Teaching Assistant, Lynnwood Elementary School
Holly Coy, Teaching Assistant, Guilderland High School
Kellee deOlde, Instructional Administrator, Elementary Special Education
Michele Evers, Second Grade Teacher, Guilderland Elementary School
Julia Healy, Library Media Specialist, Lynnwood Elementary School
Susan Herzog, Administrative Assistant, Guilderland Elementary School
Dr. Allan Lockwood, Principal, Guilderland Elementary School
Alicia McTiernan, Science Teacher, Guilderland High School
Harry Merriman, Bus Driver, Transportation
Ellen Mosher, Second Grade Teacher, Westmere Elementary School
Jon Ouckama, Reading Teacher, Guilderland High School
Colleen Pariseau, Lead Cook, Westmere Elementary School
The Employee Recognition Award annually recognizes the work and dedication of exceptional district employees for their:
- Leadership roles both within and outside of their job assignment;
- Significant immediate or long-term impact on students and/or employees;
- Pattern of inspiring others by example;
- Innovation and initiative in their job assignment;
- Extensive service to students outside of their job assignment;
- Responsiveness to student needs, both within and outside of the classroom;
- Accomplishments that promote the Guilderland Schools in the community and beyond; and/or
- Accomplishments in their respective field of expertise.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees for receiving this remarkable achievement and thank you for the invaluable work that’s been provided to students, staff and community members.
The Employee Recognition Awards have been a tradition in GCSD for over 30 years. Since that time, more than 450 staff members have been honored. To learn more about the Employee Recognition Award, click here.
Joan Clauson, Teaching Assistant, Lynnwood Elementary School
Joan is more than the average teaching assistant. She consistently goes above and beyond her duties to ensure all students – including those unassigned to her – have the tools they need to succeed. Known for her positivity, Joan’s calm and composed demeanor enables her to connect with a wide range of students, especially those with high-needs. Many of her colleagues have witnessed this extraordinary ability first hand saying, “Joni knows exactly what to do to support a particular student…she does this so well because she gets to know the students she works with as individuals emotionally, socially and academically.” Joan’s passion for helping students frequently extends beyond contractual hours as she often comes in early to work on a lesson or takes projects home. After noticing a student lacked access to materials, Joan made a special t-shirt for the pupil to wear during an annual class project. Her proactive approach to learning has inspired her to design packets that address a specific skill, create classroom games, and organize class festivities to celebrate reaching a goal. A recognized leader amongst her colleagues, Joan is a frequent volunteer, member of several committees, and resource for advice. “Joni is among the top tier of TA’s” according to one veteran teacher and is a vital resource to any classroom.
Holly Coy, Teaching Assistant, Guilderland High School
Time and again, Holly has proven to be a tremendous resource to Guilderland High School students and staff. She’s an integral part of the Community Skills Program (CSP) program, providing exceptional support to students of all abilities with patience and kindness. Her warm and welcoming personality creates a supportive classroom environment that engages even the most apathetic student. For example, Holly persuaded a student to attend class with her after he initially refused to go. Holly’s flexibility and multitasking skills are invaluable to the CSP program, which was evident during a recent transition period. At the time, Holly remained diligent about student needs by supporting their education through customized instruction, implementing related service strategies, using AAC devices, and utilizing behavior intervention and management. Holly’s colleagues also value these skills in the classroom. If a teacher has to turn their attention to a student or leave temporarily, they know Holly is able to seamlessly take over. In addition to her TA duties, Holly is a study hall lead. She plans lessons and focuses on creating activities that ensure students are engaged and productive during this time. According to one of Holly’s colleagues, “the CSP program wouldn’t be able to function without her” and she’s an excellent role model for fellow TA’s throughout the district.
Kellee deOlde, Instructional Administrator, Elementary Special Education
Kellee is the epitome of a proactive leader. She oversees the education of over 350 students with disabilities across five elementary buildings, making it a priority to visit each school on a regular basis to stay connected with the needs of students and staff. Her dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments is evident in her interactions with students and families, as she continually searches for new ways to support them academically, socially and emotionally. An active problem solver, Kellee often collaborates with colleagues to address various concerns and is the first to volunteer when someone needs help. Staff regularly seek Kellee out for advice, valuing her knowledge and expertise. She also supports co-workers by hosting targeted professional development workshops and leading departmental initiatives. Her ability to provide constructive feedback and maintain positive relationships with staff, even during difficult conversations, is exceptional. Furthermore, Kellee extends her knowledge to the Language Arts cabinet by regularly attending meetings and sharing best practices. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and immeasurable impact on students and staff are what make Kellee an outstanding education professional.
Michele Evers, Second Grade Teacher, Guilderland Elementary School
Michele greets everyone who enters her classroom with “welcome to a fun place.” Her vibrant energy and dynamic teaching style fosters an environment where students are excited to learn. Known for her creativity, Michele often incorporates innovative teaching methods and hands-on activities into her lessons. Her ability to break down complex concepts into fun and engaging lessons has had a profound impact on students’ academic growth. For example, it’s common to hear Michele singing silly songs to her students to help them remember new ideas. Each of Michele’s students feel valued and supported because of the positive and inclusive atmosphere she creates. She has the extraordinary ability to adapt to the changing needs of her students and tailors her teaching strategies to meet the diversity of learners within her class. She strives for every student to be successful by building community through the mantra “we are a class that laughs often, forgives mistakes and helps each other.” A leader outside of the classroom, Michele frequently shares her ideas, resources and methods with her colleagues. She has also served as a mentor and leader for the Guilderland Educators Mentoring for Success (GEMS) program. Michele’s enthusiasm for education and her collaborative spirit captivates both students and staff, making learning fun for everyone at GES.
Julia Healy, Library Media Specialist, Lynnwood Elementary School
The library is the heart of Lynnwood Elementary School and Julia works tirelessly to keep it in tip-top shape. She pours her time and energy into creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and learning thrives. The connections she establishes with students are meaningful and supportive, as many seek Julia out when they’re having a tough day. Her kind words and reassuring tone not only comfort students, but also help them self-regulate their emotions and build confidence. The library is an extension of Julia’s altruistic personality, as students will often take breaks, eat lunch or spend their free time there. Julia works with each student to provide what they need, such as finding a quiet place to study or assigning them a job that gives them a sense of purpose. In a world surrounded by screens and digital media, Julia counters the noise by creating an environment where students engage in conversation and productive activities to help them grow socially, emotionally and academically. She curates a collection of children’s books that represents the diverse LES student body with the goal of instilling a love of reading in each child. A supportive colleague, Julia often collaborates with teachers to enhance the learning experience by finding books that correspond with lessons or assembling texts for specific units of study. Also, she’s one of the main organizers of community-building events including Share and Celebrate, the annual preschool story hour and school assemblies. Just like the heart is central to the body’s overall health, Julia is the key to a positive Lynnwood experience.
Susan Herzog, Administrative Assistant, Guilderland Elementary School
As the first point of contact for visitors to Guilderland Elementary School, Susan embodies warmth, professionalism, efficiency and a steadfast commitment to the smooth operation of the school and the overall welfare of students. Her welcoming demeanor sets a tone of positivity and fosters a real sense of community for all who visit GES. Contributing far beyond the parameters of her job description, Susan consistently volunteers to help where she is needed, exemplifying her dedication to serving others and to supporting the GES school community. She is a true team player! Her attention to detail and tireless efforts ensure every child safely reaches their intended destination after school, alleviating the concerns of countless families and reassuring them that their children are in capable hands. Playing a pivotal role in organizing after school activities, Susan helps to create an enriching environment for students outside of regular classroom hours. One only hears kind words and offers of help from her. A giving person, Susan really is the heart and soul of GES. Her unwavering dedication, strong work ethic and genuine concern for others make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Dr. Allan Lockwood, Principal, Guilderland Elementary School
Allan’s leadership is characterized by a rare combination of collaboration, decision-making prowess, active listening, problem-solving acumen and outstanding communication skills. He is a highly effective principal who is deeply committed to the students at Guilderland Elementary School. He demonstrates this in numerous ways, from being an attentive listener when they are struggling, to an enthusiastic cheerleader for their many accomplishments. By continually putting the needs of students first, Allan is striving to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment. He is a powerful voice for disadvantaged groups and his leadership has been pivotal in fostering a sense of belonging for all GES students. Allan’s passion for education, coupled with his outstanding leadership skills, has left an indelible mark on our school community. A strong and loyal advocate for GES faculty and staff, he is committed to serving his students and families well by ensuring his faculty and staff are supported and have what is needed to do their work. He contributes to the success of all by serving on multiple committees and as a formal and informal mentor to new leaders in the district. Allan is generous with his time and willingly shares his insight and perspective based on many years of experience — more than 25 with the district, the last 16 of which as the Principal of Guilderland Elementary. Exceptional in a crisis, he remains calm, clear-headed and a source of strength for those around him. And it’s just the icing on the cake that he kicks off each school year by leading GES students and staff in a rousing rendition of the school song on his guitar!
Alicia McTiernan, Science Teacher, Guilderland High School
Alicia is a true role model for Guilderland High School students and teachers alike; often she is the teacher students feel most comfortable going to, at any time, for help to understand material, to ask a question or simply when they need someone to talk to. She has impacted students’ lives, as evidenced by the many who ask her each year for a prized college recommendation letter. Time and again, Alicia goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel safe, welcomed, appreciated and understood – and she extends the same support to her fellow teachers. An inspiration to those considering a career in education, Alicia truly exemplifies what being an educator is all about. She has shown her colleagues what it means to teach through adversity and has demonstrated that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Described as “a truly wonderful human, teacher, mother, co-worker and friend,” Alicia motivates both her students and her fellow teachers to be and do their best.
Harry Merriman, Bus Driver, Transportation
Harry always has a smile that brightens the day for everyone around him. He has a remarkable talent for making students laugh, even on their toughest days. Harry’s bus is often very festive — he will dress up and decorate to celebrate Halloween and other fun holidays. Annually, on the last day of school, in Harry’s bus the confetti flies and music is blasting to celebrate the end of the school year! Admirably, Harry knows each student by name, always making a point to chat and acknowledge them, no matter what. The connections he builds with his students are based on his compassion and care for all. Parents praise him for his outstanding work, as he fosters strong relationships with them as well as with his students. As a union leader, Harry gives 100% to his co-workers — as exemplified by his near perfect attendance record! Harry is an exceptional employee because of his selfless dedication to students, staff, and families.
Ellen Mosher, Second Grade Teacher, Westmere Elementary School
Ellen embodies all that it means to be a lifelong learner. She consistently looks for ways to improve her craft and is open to new ideas to increase student learning — and she does it with a positive mindset. When faced with a challenge, her response is often “we can do this!” Ellen’s upbeat attitude makes every student feel like they are a special member of the classroom. She welcomes all learners with a calm, creative and optimistic approach to build their self-assurance. One of Ellen’s greatest strengths is helping pupils uncover their inner abilities through encouragement. Her interactions with students are productive, helping to instill confidence and allowing them to develop a sense of respect and responsibility. They leave her classroom each day feeling like an expert and an amazing second grader! Ellen’s “can-do” mindset extends to her colleagues, who often use her as a sounding board. With over 30 years of teaching experience — 24 total at Westmere Elementary School — her passion and professionalism is recognized by WES staff. Ellen is always open to working cooperatively with her grade level colleagues, sharing ideas and providing encouragement. She goes above and beyond what is expected by supporting her co-workers, growing her own knowledge and providing an amazing learning environment for her students. Described as “one of the very best teachers, by far,” Ellen truly makes a difference by helping those around her to be their very best.
Jon Ouckama, Reading Teacher, Guilderland High School
“Goes above and beyond…a model of positive energy and enthusiasm…a vital and instrumental member of the Guilderland High School community…truly student-centered…professional, intelligent, kind, compassionate…an exceptional professional, colleague and human being.” These are just a few of the ways Jon’s colleagues describe him. As a reading teacher and PM school administrator, Jon has the extraordinary ability to connect with students, helping them achieve academic, social and emotional success. He builds positive relationships with everyone he meets, creating classroom communities that bring forth tremendous energy and insight. In his role as PM school administrator, Jon is an extra support for students. He advocates for staff, teachers and families to work together to create strong partnerships that help all learners grow. A knowledgeable and talented instructor, whether working with one student or a group, he individualizes instruction to help students develop and grow their skills. He is a talented musician and has been known to play music in the hallway to uplift the mood of the whole school building. He has the ability to forge trust, ignite confidence and galvanize a sense of purpose in a variety of settings. One colleague summarized their statement about Jon by saying, “I truly believe that all of the students he has connected with are better today for having had him in their lives.”
Colleen Pariseau, Lead Cook, Westmere Elementary School
Colleen is the “secret sauce” in the Westmere Elementary School cafeteria. Her day begins early, by preparing and serving more than 100 breakfast meals, and then things really get busy with lunch preparation. In addition to preparing the day’s hot meal, she makes multiple types of sandwiches and assembles various combinations of the main dish and sides, because Ms. Colleen, as she is known to students, understands children. She recognizes that some children have different taste preferences and when they have more meal options, they are more inclined to eat a good meal and do better in school. However, her level of caring for WES students goes beyond the many meals she prepares and serves — more than 300 meals each day! — and extends to her attention to students’ needs. Colleen has developed strong connections with WES students. They love her food and, when they might be having a bad day, often find Ms. Colleen’s meals and her attentive nature as the way to turn the day around. A GCSD employee for more than 24 years, Colleen’s ability to manage a high volume of work with efficiency and care exemplifies her profound commitment and dedication to our students.