LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Theresa Coe was nominated by her friend, Annie Rogers.

JOY. RADIANT. LOVE. These three words describe Miss Coe, a music teacher and LifeChanger for Mesa Public Schools.

"Theresa is walking JOY. And I mean that in everything she does. Music fills her soul, and she generates that daily in classes with her students," said Rogers. "From puppets, to special instruments, to fun, creative, motivating activities, to bringing her beloved dogs for her annual programs, Theresa does it all with such enthusiasm and loving, endless energy. Anyone would want to be in her music class."

"Last year, I was getting my hair done at a local shop. I had a nice conversation with my hairstylist, Danielle, about the usual stuff -- family, job, etc. The topic of me being a teacher and school led to her sharing that her boys attend Guerrero Elementary School," said Rogers. "This, of course, opened the door for me to tell her one of my dearest friends teaches music at Guerrero. When I said that, Danielle's face lit up. She then told me her boys never liked music until they had Miss Coe. She went on and on about how the boys now talk about loving music, are excited to go, want to play instruments, and love Miss Coe."

"This didn't come as a surprise. I met Theresa over 25 years ago when she came to Falcon Hill as our music teacher. The first time I met her, I saw the light in her soul that has been a continuous beam all these years. Theresa's passion for teaching music radiates among her students. She's creative, clever, enthusiastic, and so much more. Who doesn't love Santa Paws and her engaging lessons with children? She's always coming up with new ideas to instill the joy of music in her students. Her endless energy amazes me, and her undeniable gift as a musician is extraordinary. When I think of Theresa, the first word that comes to mind every time is JOY," said Rogers.

"Though we don't teach at the same schools, Theresa and I have remained close friends these past 28 years. I can tell you nothing has changed in how she has taught music in Mesa schools. She is very much loved," said Rogers.

Miss Coe's gift for music goes beyond the classroom, too. She leads worship at her church and performs as a solo artist, a duet artist, and in a band. She has a Happy Hot Dog business which, again, her joyful spirit abounds (the name is a perfect fit). She's also putting together a teacher band at Guerrero!

"I would love Theresa to be recognized for the LifeChanger Award – as she truly is just that," said Rogers.