LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lisa Pena was nominated by a family member, Melody Carlucci.

"Lisa is a dedicated, loving, compassionate believer of all her students. Lisa teaches in an urban community in a special education kindergarten and first-grade class. She has been teaching for 20 years in grades K - 8. Lisa will go above and beyond for her students. She considers her students, her children, and her family. She provides them with a sense of love daily. Hugs, high fives, snacks, art projects, and fun are parts of her daily class," said Carlucci. "In her classroom, she has monthly blowups to signify an event: Turkey for Thanksgiving, Bear with Heart for Valentine's, etc. The children dance with her daily, getting all their wiggles out. Lisa believes that not all children learn the same way. She will incorporate songs, movies, and art in her class. They learn to share and have discussions with each other."

"Lisa connects to all the families by organizing a breast cancer walk, spirit weeks, and an annual Thanksgiving food drive for the school community. She is a part of her school leadership team and the union chapter leader for her school. She believes that teaching matters, and she will make a difference in the lives of children. All it takes is one teacher to believe in a child for that child to feel loved and empowered. Lisa has provided that feeling to hundreds of children. Lisa believes every child is special in their own way, and I believe that Lisa is a special LifeChanger," said Carlucci.