LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gabriella Chay was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Chay strives to create a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. She builds strong relationships with her students by showing genuine interest in their lives, celebrating their efforts, and maintaining consistent, respectful communication. She uses a combination of classroom management strategies such as ClassDojo points, Otter Dollars (our school-wide reward system), and SEL practices to promote kindness, responsibility, and a growth mindset.

She incorporates daily routines that foster a sense of belonging and structure, such as morning meetings, positive affirmations, and group discussions. Her goal is to ensure that each child feels confident, cared for, and motivated to learn. Many of her students come from underserved communities and face challenges that impact their learning experiences.

She strives to create an engaging and equitable learning environment by providing the tools her students need to succeed academically and socially. Her support of foundational skills in reading, writing, and math also boosts their confidence and fosters a love of learning that will carry with them beyond the classroom.