AMLE Celebrates the 2025 Adult Advocate Awardees

A.J. Danny

“AJ’s commitment to student success is evident in his constant communication with parents, not only to share positive updates but also to work collaboratively in finding the best ways to support their children. He actively seeks out new strategies to engage learners at all levels, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to discover their passion. As the epitome of positivity, AJ Danny creates an environment where students feel valued, inspired, and empowered to succeed, making him a truly deserving nominee for this recognition.”

Arielle Bookspan

“Arielle fosters a classroom environment built on trust, respect, and meaningful relationships, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Arielle has perfected the balanced of a positive learning environment and the rigor needed to be a successful 6th grade Language Arts student. In her classroom, she has built a strong community of readers, fostering a love of literature while encouraging critical thinking and thoughtful discussion. Arielle challenges her students to read outside of their comfort zones and has created a monthly reading challenge that encourages students to read novels with a different focus each month including disability awareness, own voices and indigenous perspectives, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ pride.”

Beth Sipos

“Beth and the entire Food Service Team bring a positive atmosphere to the most chaotic part of the middle school day. Beth and the entire team have large speakers playing fun music as the students go through the line. The entire team work to get to know the students’ names and even memorize their food orders! The team work to even collaborate with the interdisciplinary teams like when 7th grade was working on Greece we had gyro’s and the entire team dressed in Togas! I can not commend this team enough for the work they do to make lunch and school fun!”

Carlos Baldwin

“Our middle school is incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and hardworking daytime custodian. Carlos takes immense pride in maintaining our building, treating it with the same care and attention as if it were his own home. No matter how busy the day gets, he always greets everyone with a warm smile and a friendly hello, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both students and staff. We deeply appreciate his hard work, kindness, and unwavering commitment to our school community.”

Casey Santos

“Casey is truly the heart and soul of the Middle School’s support system. She knows each one of our girls and effortlessly keeps track of who their friends are, which activities they are involved in, and how their classes are going. With unmatched grace and wisdom, she navigates the ever-changing landscape of our girls’ emotions, seamlessly guiding them through the normal complexities of friendships, lunchtime dramas, and those awkward first stirrings of young love. She also helps them handle tougher issues… Casey is the epitome of a trusted confidante; each girl here knows that she can go to any adult on campus for help, but she is the adult they most often turn to when it all gets a bit overwhelming and they need help.”

Christina Henes

“In response to increasing concerns around lateness, absenteeism, underachievement, and disciplinary issues, Christina worked diligently to create a comprehensive program designed to support students, improve behavior, and promote academic success. At the heart of her work is the creation of Carusi’s Student Success Center – a warm, welcoming space where students feel physically and emotionally safe, valued, and empowered. This space serves as a hub for building trust and open communication between students and staff; reducing behavioral disruptions and fostering a sense of belonging that encourages attendance and engagement. Mrs. Henes is the unsung hero of Carusi Middle School—nurturing, supportive, and unwavering in her commitment to helping all students thrive.”

Josie Brown

“Josie has the most lively, exciting, and energetic classroom in our building. She starts her class with a meditation in which she projects onto the board these words: “If you brought any stressors, depressors, or anxieties into the room with you today, I want you to let them know that you’ll be with them later. You could just throw them out the door of throw them out the window because all we have to worry about today is English class, and I promise you it won’t be that bad.” I think one of the best parts of her professional career is that she joined our school as a long-term sub and now she is one of the youngest but most effective full-time teachers. She is currently pursuing a Masters in School Counseling, and she is exactly what the field needs.”

Kim Cornish

“As a dedicated paraprofessional, Kim goes above and beyond for her students every single day. She doesn’t just do her job—she pours her heart and soul into helping kids succeed. No matter the setting, she creates an environment of safety, trust, and true care for each and every student. She is a team player; always willing to take on new responsibilities if it will help even just one student. One example of this – when our district needed to serve students with significant visual impairments, Kim put herself out there to not only work with these students and prepare materials, but went as far as to become a certified braillist (which is no easy feat; it was a TON of work). That’s what she does – she goes the extra mile!”

Lorri Kingan

“Some people just have a way of lifting others up—Mrs. Lorri Kingan is one of them. As the Media Center Specialist at Hudson Middle School, her energy, enthusiasm, and love for students make a lasting impact every day. Lorri is a teacher, mentor, and literacy champion. She also plays a key role in our school’s FOCUS period, helping students discover books they love and fostering a school-wide culture of reading. Lorri isn’t just a media specialist—she’s a ray of sunshine. Her passion for books, students, and learning is contagious, making our school a better place every day.”

Roger Hagen

“Roger is a true advocate for students in every sense of the word. Whether in a co-taught classroom, learning support class, or through small check-ins, Roger excels at building relationships with students where they feel comfortable asking for help, being themselves, and participating in class activities. Additionally, Roger excels at communicating with parents, especially in regards to difficult discussions about student growth and progress. He has helped to shape the learning support program at the school, developing systems that are reaching beyond our middle school to support diverse student needs. His leadership is a role model for both students and peers and serves as a great example of how to be a warm demander.”

Vickie Pierce

“As our Senior Office Manager, Vickie is the heart and soul of our school, and her dedication to fostering positive relationships with students is truly exceptional. To put it simply, our school could not function without Vickie. What truly sets Vickie apart is her extraordinary ability to connect with students. They are drawn to her warmth and genuine care, often seeking out her company during lunch breaks and throughout the school day. It is a testament to her character that students feel so comfortable and loved in her presence. She is adored not only for her exceptional work ethic but, more importantly, for her genuine love of people.”

These testimonials are just a small portion of the outpouring of support you shined on your colleagues this Middle Level Education Month. Please join AMLE in celebrating and recognizing all of our 2025 Adult Advocate Nominees: