LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Makena Gadient was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Gadient is passionate about making sure that every child's needs are met, no matter their race, ability, faith, or gender. She works hard to make sure that inclusion happens for students with IEPs (individualized educational plans) and that her colleagues, including special education instructional assistants, feel supported in meeting the needs of students and following the IEP. She is also very passionate about project-based learning and promoting UDL as a flexible means of showing what you know. Ms. Gadient tries to give her students the opportunity for projects, even though the costs definitely add up when it comes to making that happen. Ms. Gadient tries her best, though, and keeps her eyes open for opportunities such as these.