I have known Dawn for the past 7 years. I originally met Dawn in 2013, when she was hired as a paraprofessional in the special Educational Department at Bellevue West High School. I served as the chair for Department, overseeing both the staff and programs. Dawn was assigned to wok one-one with a student identified as being on the autism spectrum. This student exhibited particularly challenging behavior that pervious staff and professionals had been unable to find ways to successfully manage.
Dawn fulfilled this role with amazing success. By implementing creative strategies, along with building a positive rapport, she was able to motivate and engage this student. It was through her actions and tenacity, that Dawn, literally, changed the life of the student. Prior to Dawn’s working with the student, it was more than likely that he would not even have graduated high school. To the amazement of all stakeholders, not only did this individual graduate with his class, but he continued to further his education at a local training program.
