Education Support Professionals of the Year: 2023-2024

May 21st, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
Elementary School, News, Recognitions and Awards, Schools, Secondary Schools, Specialized Schools

Each year we award a few of our most deserving Education Support Professionals for acting as outstanding resources to teachers and students. We thank our Education Support Professionals for their excellent work this year. Here are the ESPs of the year:

Emma Sazo, Receptionist, Independence

Emma Sazo is an indispensable member of the IHS family. She is the front line person in the office, knows all of the students, and makes it all look effortless. We are so grateful for her willingness to be a translator and help all of our students and their families.

Veronica Peterson, Attendance Secretary, Dixon

Veronica is much more than the attendance secretary. She is a tireless advocate and often chooses struggling students to be her aides. Veronica understands families from diverse cultures and is a critical part of helping Dixon be an amazing place.

Jessy Nielsen, Head Custodian, Timpview

Jessy is a great example of someone that brings positive energy, attitude, and passion for work everyday. He effectively meets the daily cleaning needs of the school while managing the very difficult situation of a school that is an active construction zone. Jessy makes cleanliness and safety a priority.

Amber Egbert, Instructional Assistant, Oak Springs

Amber’s impact on the lives of our students and the school community as a whole cannot be overstated. Her unwavering dedication and positive attitude make her a role model for her colleagues and a source of inspiration for our students.

Mandi Chrisman or Christian, Instructional Assistant, Provo High

Mandi has been an indispensable asset particularly during the WIDA testing. She demonstrated exceptional competence and efficiency as she flawlessly managed aspects of the testing. She has a keen eye for detail and has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of records and reports.

Sheila Christensen, Literacy/Acadience/DIBELS Specialist, Rock Canyon

Sheila is one of the kindness, most supportive, and most selfless people ever. Although her duties are often behind the scenes, her efforts, and the impact she makes, are essential. She works very hard and accomplishes great things every year.

LaVerne Bushman, Lunch Clerk/Office Assistant, Sunset View

LaVerne has worked at Sunset View for 25 years and has a great relationship with the staff, students, and parents. She calls each student by name and the students love her and love telling her about their day as they come through the lunch line.

Randall Sorensen, Maintenance Technician, District Office

Randall has a great attitude, an excellent work ethic and a willingness to do whatever is asked of them. Randall has also shown initiative in seeking to improve and receiving additional training.

Kimberly Gishi, Student Success Coach, Provo Peaks

Kim has made an amazingly safe place for students to get the support they need. She helps students regulate their emotions and learn ways to be successful in the classroom. She has also built amazing relationships with students and teachers alike.

Lisa Hansen, Instructional Assistant, Canyon Crest

Lisa was asked to oversee a math interventions lab and space lab. Lisa has learned, grown, and expanded her skills with a high level of care and accountability. She has done phenomenally in this role and is impacting student success across the school.

Rhonda Mcgee, Nutrition Manager, Timpanogos

Rhonda always greets students with a smiling face and knows many of them by name. She is quick to help others and manages her team well. She is also a great help with sack lunches for field trips and is very flexible and easy to work with.

Melanie Shelley, HR Executive Assistant, District Office

Melanie is very helpful to the new teachers that come into the district office. Her pleasantness and great smile help the teachers get into their classrooms ready to teach. Melanie is always willing to help anyone who has questions and she will go out of her way to find answers or direct people to where they can find the answers.

Patricia Toro, Attendance Secretary, Spring Creek

Patricia is an integral part of the school community who is greatly respected. She speaks 3 languages which benefits our community of diverse students. Her cheerful, calm, and kind attitude make the front office a comfortable and welcoming place.

Lisa Young, English Language Learner Instructional Assistant, Lakeview

Lisa works very hard to prepare for and teach her students. She always has an amazingly positive attitude no matter how hard the situation. Lisa is an incredible leader and has a great impact on those around her.

Heather Peterson, SPED Aide, Westridge

Heather has helped students connect with other students and she makes them feel loved, supported, and safe. She sees students’ strengths and helps them thrive. The students trust her and she has worked very hard to earth that trust from the special education students.