LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Blayne Pellinen Posted over a year ago

I posted earlier but I forgot to mention something. Ms. Stiffarm helped 3 other students and I publish a book that directly related to what we were doing: raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and fostering kindness for impaired members of the community. She pushed us to do something like we had never done before and because of this, many more people are aware of ASD. The book is titled Carter and journeys a day in the life of a boy with autism. It ends with some key facts about autism and the movement to spread awareness. All of this never could've become possible without Ms. Stiffarm!

Joanne Sautet Posted over a year ago

I would like to thank Jamie for her involvement to the students is so pleasing!! So many children need the added attention you give them. I hope your students will go on to share the awareness with others. Thank you so much. I have also enjoyed your music at LWML events and such at church. You do have a special touch on the organ, too. Blessings to you as we join to celebrate Christmas and it's joy! Hoping you ate rewarded!

Megan Cline Posted over a year ago

Ms.Stiffarm is one of the most amazing teachers I've ever met, but more than that, she is truly one of the most incredible people I've ever met. She took the time to meet with not only myself, but a full class load of students who required individual attention and instruction, all while still fulfilling her duties as a full time teacher at the school. I know with certainty Jamie Stiffarm has personally changed my life in the most positive way. Without her I don't think I would have graduated high school, she took the time to understand me as an individual, including the specific obstacles I faced with much of the material. Still, she saw a way to make a positive impact on my life and over time I came to realize, she devotes herself entirely to being a positive influence on everyone with the privilege of knowing her. I believe she is one of the most inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, I also believe it would be harder to find someone who's life she hasn't in some way or another changed for the better.

Jim Partanen Posted over a year ago

I worked in the room next to Ms Stiffarm for over 20 years. She is a dedicated, student oriented teacher that has made a difference in many students lives. She is very deserving of this award.

Blayne Pellinen Posted over a year ago

Ms. Stiffarm is one of the best teachers I have had. She has taught me so many life lessons and I am grateful for that. She helped me understand my autistic brother and why he does what he does. She has not only helped me; she has helped many other student's in her program, both the mentors and special education students. For this, she undoubtedly deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award!

Blaise Posted over a year ago

She is the nicest person out there I wouldn't be here without her. She help me though high school and I keep getting better.

Mary Cline Posted over a year ago

Ms. Stifarm is a phenomenal teacher! If not for her my daughter Megan would not have graduated High School, or gone on to attend college. Under Jaime's guidance Megan not only graduated High School, but went on to graduate from Michigan Career and Technical College in Jan of this year. Megan majored in computer automation and has been able to work in a field she is excited and passionate about. Megan's total outlook on her life is completely changed for the better and I have only Ms. Stifarm to thank and praise for all she has done. Ms. Stifarm was able to work with Megan in a way that no other teacher would have been able to do. I could never say or do anything that would show how much Jaime has done for my daughter. She truly deserves special recognition for her extraordinary talent as an educator!

Mark Johnson Posted over a year ago

Jamie Stiffarm is a life-changing educator. Jamie is one of the finest educators (and people) that I have had the pleasure of knowing. I had the distinct privilege to work and collaborate with Jamie for for seven years. Ms. Stiffarm is one of those educators whose students reflect back and realize that she was crucial to their success.Her passion and dedication for education, students and her community are nothing short of amazing. Ms. Stiffarm sets extremely high expectations for all students but always provides them all the necessary supports to meet (and many times exceed) those expectations. Ms. Stiffarm is relentless in her pursuit to ensure that ALL students learn at high levels. She is a calculated risk-taker who routinely thinks outside-the-box and innovates; all in the pursuit to find unique ways to support students. As a result she was critical to the implementation of innovative programming at our school such as co-taught Algebra II, Chemistry and English classes. Ms. Stiffarm also was key to the implementation of the Peer-to-Peer program which served as an excellent vehicle to teach students tolerance and acceptance of others. In summary, Jamie Stiffarm is an amazing educator whose skills reach far outside the classroom and/or school walls. She is a difference maker and has the ability to change lives for the better each day.

Ruthanne Fresonke Posted over a year ago

Jamie Stiffarm turned my families world around, giving me and my learning disable (LD) twins hope for a brighter future. I was a parent with twins who were diagnosed LD at 2 years old when they developed twin talk and a few minor physical issues. So they started early education with some wonderful educators. I had to learn what being LD could mean for the boys. The biggest changes came when we moved to Bessemer and the boys started grade school. They were a challenge for Mrs. Abelman but she got them started on corrective speech. The Bessemer School District was a blessing but I still worried about the boys future. Then at the end of grade school the boys were diagnosed with Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder. I had never heard of it, nor had the school. So the boys went into high school and the challenge was picked up by Jamie Stiffarm. Armed with all the information I could find on this rare condition which primarily effects boys. I reached out to Jamie to see what methods she could figure out to help the boys. Each twin had the disorder within different levels. The Expressive part gives the child problems with expressing themselves. Information for language is stored in the brain differently then normal so they have problems bringing out the words to communicate. Often forgetting a word or what or why so many words... like the words To, Two, Too and 2 being a number are not the same meanings. This is also due to the Receptive Disorder which is why they often didn't understand "the why" something is so complicated... why not just use one word. For example, the psychologist used a puzzle of a 3 piece donkey. One twin put the puzzle together with all three pieces and said "that's a horse". The other twin put in 2 pieces, the head and the tail part and said "that's a donkey". When asked why he didn't use the donkey's middle, he said "why, its a donkey if you put the pieces together on the table outside of the puzzle frame. Jamie Stiffarm came up with some creative ways to get them both to learn language and how to express themselves. When she notices one was having trouble focusing, she found a way to cut out the extra distractions in the surroundings to aide in concentration. She always had many ideas to use at home to help them. Like the use of a chalkboard. We put the board at the entryway of the house so when the boys were leaving or entering they knew to look at what things needed to be done. By this time I had become and Para-professional working for MSU Extension and was able to share with Jamie things I had learned from my position of a community educator. She always listens with a kind heart, brings any ideas to the classroom and the IEP meetings. She supported the boys attending college classes during 11th and 12th grades. She knew their strengths and weakness, conversed with the college instructors, and checked with them on how things were going. She moved them toward a brighter future, one they could be proud of and make a living as productive adults. She encouraged them to focus on things they loved, as well as were challenging and gave them a sense of pride. One worked with the after school and during school computer peer-to-peer program. One twin was shy and the other outgoing. She encourage them to play sports. Since they had watched their older brother play football and earn a college scholarship, they talked to her about football and college. With her encouragement they excelled on the Speedboys football team and many comments could be heard during the game about the powerhouse twins holding the line of defense. They were so proud! Their brothers and I were proud. They started working during 12th grade and ended their year graduating with their class. They received college certificates in Computer Aided Design and Computer Repair. It's hard to believe its been 12 years since Jamie Stiffarm ushered them into a bright future. Today I am proud to say, one twin is working at Head Start finding that after he had his daughter, he loved teaching children. He watched me when I use to prep for my Head Start Classes, little did I realize that Jamie had instilled in them a keener sense to their surroundings. The twins older brother is the Director of Process Improvement at a Architectural-Engineering Firm he helped develop from its start-up. That son also owes a debt of gratitude to A.D. Johnston High School for it was the encouragement of his Science Teacher to pursue a College Degree in Engineering. My other twin also being more observant of his surroundings kept in contact with his older brother while he started working as a computer repairman locally with the assistance of yet another High School recommendation. He excelled in the computers so quickly. Being mindful that he still had trouble reading, it was amazing watching him using the techniques that Jamie had showed him for remembering details and how to express himself to others who came in to have their computers repaired. Unfortunately that job ended, but it didn't stop him from being encouraged to seek out the next better thing. So he went back to making pizza's and started dating a wonderful young women whom he grew up with. The bonds of friendship formed due to not only living in close proximity, but with the encouragement for the students in Special Education classes to over come their shyness and work one-on-one together on projects. Then one night his older brother called lower Michigan and challenged him with a computer program that they company couldn't grasp how to work. You see it uses 3 D imaging, you have to get all the design perfect for the roof doesn't float off the structure. Ben loves a challenge, thanks to Jamie Stiffarm. Without any directions to read, Ben figured it out on his own and informed his brother. Today he and his fiance moved to Minnesota, bought a home after he was hired to the A-E Firm where his older brother works and has worked his way up as their AE/IT Manager and often flies around the country setting up and designing the companies computer systems. His girlfriend also having been a student of Jamie Stiffarm has also continued on the path of a brighter future. She is working, taking cooking and educational classes and enjoys computer games where she can write story lines and join in the activities with a group focus. She and my son had their first open house inviting family to a BBQ. Jamie Stiffarm taught the students that socializing is part of life and nothing to be afraid of. Both of whom were once extremely shy continue to join in to their new community. Each year for mothers day, both twins have worked together to design me a new computer with more things then even I know what to do with. Jamie Stiffarm has given my twins hope and a bright future. She has kept in contact with them. Has been there for them when their father passed away, has given of herself freely toward encouraging them even after graduation. She is a very resourceful teacher who truly is devoted to the education and future of her students. I owe her a debt of gratitude. I congratulate her on her accomplishments. Thank you Jamie Stiffarm!

Tina pellinen Posted over a year ago

Jamie, how to begin well here it goes my son has autism he is high function with a variety of diagnosis that come along with. As a mother I am a very protectve ,when I first met her she was polite,and friendly. I was worried about how he might be a handful, so I gave her tidbits on his thought process and if she had any questions to get in touch with me, it took a bit but she nailed it ,starting a peer program where kids who were interested in helping kids with learning issues, my middle son who was an honor student at the time realized why his brother was treated different, what a change in him taking the class that Jamie started their relationship changed for the better at home and school for her I am truly greatful,she always wants her students to do their best no matter how they learn,so Jamie thank you for your dedication to all who cross her path.

Leola Maslanka Posted over a year ago

I have know Ms. Stiffarm for many years, starting when she worked for the Hurley School District. She truly cares about each of her students and gives tirelessly of herself. Ms. Stiffarm spends quality time with each of her students and takes the time to know and understand each of their disabilities. Her patience and kindness enable her to build a rapport with her students, which motivates them to learn and show forward progress in school. Her caring extends to both students and staff. Ms. Stiffarm has a remarkable ability to make a difference in so many lives.

Marilyn Haroldson Posted over a year ago

It is no surprise to me that Ms. Stiffarm has been nominated as LifeChanger of the Year. I have known her for close to 30 years and have learned about her numerous activities with children and her vision to help each child succeed and develop into leaders of tomorrow. My first encounter with Ms. Stiffarm is when I hired her as Director for Birch Trails Girl Scouts Camp. She made it her mission that each girl who attended the camp would learn kindness, sharing and leadership skills. This was not just a job for her, it was an opportunity to empower girls with positive influences, that would last a lifetime. For some girls, this positive, safe, camp experience that Ms. Stiffarm provided was the only positive experience these girls had, which undoubtedly was a life changer and in some cases, possibly a life saver. Ms. Stiffarm makes it her life mission to assist children who need her most. One of her greatest accomplishments is her Peer to Peer Program. The older students assist in teaching the younger students various skills under her close supervision. She even guided them in writing a book together that has been widely recognized and published. Ms. Stiffarm takes the extra time to write grants for much needed resources for her work to continue. In addition to all the extra time she volunteers with her students at school, she also finds time to volunteer as local Chairperson of the Salvation Army for Gogebic County, MI and Iron County, WI, church activities and much more. I have never met a person that gave so much of herself so that others could have more. She is the most loving, giving, kind, patient individual I know and it is my belief no other candidate is more deserving of this Life Changer of the Year Award than Ms. Stiffarm.

Marilyn Haroldson Posted over a year ago

I've known Ms. Stiffarm for many years and have watched her give countless hours of volunteer time for her students with special needs, church activities and the Salvation Army. I hired her to be the Director of Birch Trails Girl Scout camp. She did an outstanding job making each girl's camp experience life changing with her unique style of incorporating positive influence into all camp activities and special focus on leadership skills that that the girls will utilize for a lifetime. For these reasons and many more to inumerate, I believe Ms. Stiffarm is the best candidate to receive this Life-Changer Award.

Jane suvanto Posted over a year ago

I have worked in the Bessemer school system for 25 years, many years personally with Jamie. Not only have I seen her teach with excellence, I have also seen her get eye level to those who are scared and don't understand, love and hugs to all who need and want it and the strength of a pit-bull to fight for special needs children's rights. She just rocks!!!!

Mark Johnson Posted over a year ago

Ms. Stiffarm is a life changer - and not just for students. Her abilities and efforts extend far beyond just her students. She is a high impact person no matter what the context. I had the distinct pleasure of working with and collaborating with Ms. Stiffarm for seven years. She is one of the best educators (and people) I have had the privilege of working with in my 20-year educational career. Ms. Stiffarm is passionate about doing what is best for her students and is always a strong advocate for all students. Ms. Stiffarm sets very high expectations for all students and ensures that she provides all the necessary supports to assist students attain those expectations. She is relentless in her drive to make sure ALL students learn at high levels regardless of their circumstance. She is an innovator and never afraid to take risks if she feels the students may benefit. Often times she is the one person in her students' lives who worries about them, feeds them, clothes them, and helps them find resources. She regularly goes above and beyond for the students. She is an absolute asset to the school and community. She changes lives for the better each and everyday.

Connie Hellman Posted over a year ago

Jamie is a very dedicated teacher and community member. She not only pushes her students to pursue excellence but she also has time to help those in the community who need assistance through the Salvation Army. Jamie has worked with the students at Bessemer High School to create a peer to peer group of general education students who mentor special education students.

Tina Pellinen Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Stiffarm is an amazing teacher,community volunteer,mentor,and friend. I have had the privilege of her having both my children in her classes,my son blayne pellinen who became a peer to peer to kids with special needs an author along with fellow peers, helping him to understand others with disabilities alot better because he lives with his brother Blaise who is on the autism spectrum. She opened his eyes on how and why Blaise behaves,understanding things that we as parents had explained blayne finally came to understand when mrs.stiffarm started the peer-to-peer program and I am forever greatful, it made a big impact at home. There are no words that can explain what a difference she has made and I thank you! !!

Laurie Gabka Posted over a year ago

Ms. Stiffarm is well deserving of this honor. She is a positive role and mentor to all students. Not just those participating in special ed or peer to peer. She is also very active in her church in playing the organ and also in our local community volunteer organizations. My daughters had great experiences with her as well.

Margaret Deitz Posted over a year ago

Mrs.stiffarm has gone above and beyond to help our whole community grow and understand how to be unbiased and undiscriminating twords people with disabilities. She encourages everyone she meets to get out there and make a difference in the world. She has inspired my daughter whom used to be closed off to open up and to use her talent for writing. I have seen her teach kids others had written off as unable to learn, somehow she has a way to get them to learn and understand what they are learning. She has taken kids like my daughter and gone shopping for new clothes for a conference my daughter was to attend. She did that because my husband and I cannot drive. I thank her so much for all she does for everyone.

Annette Posted over a year ago

My daughter was a homebound student during her high school years with Ms. Stiffarm as her teacher. I feel my daughter would not have finished high school without Ms. Stiffarm. Her compassion, understanding, flexibility and dedication went above and beyond normal teaching. She related to my daughter and kept her motivated to complete the work. I am not sure what the outcome would've been if my daughter did not have Ms. Stiffarm as her teacher. I am truly grateful to her.

Rhoda Holmes Posted over a year ago

Jamie Stiffarm, where to start, an amazing loving human, who's goal in life is to teach our children self respect, love, compassion, empathy, and self esteem!! She treats her students with respect and dignity. Who tirelessly volunteers her time with autism training's, and Salvation Army (I believe it was) food delivery drives, (which she includes her students in). She always has a kind word for everyone, and concern for her students even after they graduate, with a willingness to help them in their lives after graduation. And I know all this because she had my son in her classes for 4 years, I attribute his becoming a wonderful, loving man to her love and respect of him. He speaks of her lovingly often, and believes that she changed his life forever! I tried to nominate you for this years ago, so happy someone finally woke up and smelled the coffee, thank you Jamie Stiffam, God Bless you as you continue your quest for making every student the best they can be. You are my hero.

Lisa Selin Posted over a year ago

She helped my oldest son with his special needs and if not for her my youngest, who suffered a major concussion in 7th grade would Probably not have graduated. She is definitely dedicated to what she does!'

Vai Triggiano Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Stiffarm puts in countless hours of work into the projects we do. She is passionate about what she teaches us and is very personel. She always makes sure we are confident in what we are learning before she moves on. We are so blessed to have her at our school.

Sarah Talo Posted over a year ago

Ms. Stiffarm has come alongside our family when we have struggled. She has taken my son shoe shopping and bought him two pairs of shoes. She is awesome as a teacher of special needs and has addressed bullying of my son as soon as it was brought to her attention. She also goes above and beyond in her role in the Salvation Army. We love her!

Melodee Posted over a year ago

Ms.Stiffarm is a great teacher! She pushes her kids in A.D. Johnston high school to do the best they can do. She pushes us even past doing our best she pushes us above and beyond! We all thank her for that and she has changed all of our lives to be better from when we first stepped foot in her classroom. Now we all have a better attitude and life.

Judy Krocker Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Stiffarm does an amazing job for our schooolsystem and the community. She goes above and beyond her duties. She has good communication and respect for and from her students