Shining Star

May Shining Star Recipients

Katie Fitchett
Paraprofessoional
Jefferson Middle School

Katie began working with us in 2021 as a special education paraprofessional at Jefferson Middle School. She was nominated by numerous students and colleagues for her incredible connection with students and the lasting impact her positive, supportive approach makes on the students she serves. Here's what they said:

"Katie goes above and beyond on a daily basis. She engages with students to keep them on task, answers questions, and helps them stay organized. Students know they can trust and depend on her, and she is an active role model in the classroom for encouraging students to do their best work.”

"Katie truly cares about students and provides them the support they need to learn as independently as possible. Not only does she support them academically, she supports them emotionally as well, talking them through problems and helping them navigate friend issues. Students remember her and return year after year to find her in the hallways.”

“Katie’s positive attitude and willingness to step up wherever needed make a noticeable difference in the day-to-day success of our classroom.”

"Katie is valued by all. She is always willing to help any student on assignments and their organization, while also working with small groups and assisting with other tasks. Katie makes the class run smoothly and students’ faces light up when she is in the room!”

Please join us in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved honor!

Katie Hilliard
Family Intervention Specialist
Central Park Elementary School

Katie began working with us in 2015 and is a family intervention specialist at Central Park Elementary. She was nominated by several colleagues for her calm, patient work with students; her ability to problem-solve with compassion; and her dedication to the students and families she serves. Here's what they said:

“Katie constantly goes above and beyond in her position as Family Intervention Specialist at Central Park. She is innovative, experienced, dedicated, and reflective. She brings calm and humor to even the most stressful situations. I admire her ability to get to the root of student behaviors and design effective plans to address those needs.”

“She communicates effectively with students’ teams—including parents—and connects families with community resources.”

“Not only do students love Katie, but she is also beloved by staff as well. We know she will listen without judgement, validate our feelings, and offer practical and helpful solutions—and likely at least one related research article.”

“I can’t tell you how much I admire Katie for her knowledge, intuition and dedication. She works tirelessly to support student, family, and staff needs. We are lucky to have her!”

Katie has a bachelor's degree in social work from Michigan State University and a master's degree in social work from the University of Denver.

Please join us in congratulating Katie on this well-deserved honor!