LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Denise Puglisi was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Puglisi creates a positive classroom environment through consistency and structure. As a Special Education Teacher, she provides the stability many of her students need. Her students know that she respects them. While she may have high expectations, her students are reminded that they are capable of achieving them. Mrs. Puglisi provides coping skills that students can use throughout the day, along with a calming corner, to help them understand the difficulties they face both outside and inside school. She shows compassion in many ways and builds trust with each of the students. She shows up daily for students and actively participates in their activities outside of school, such as soccer games, football games, and theatre productions. Having clear-cut rules and expectations provides the necessary structure to make students feel safe and calm. It provides a climate that is not like the chaos they may experience at home. She always decorates her room with students in mind, wanting them to feel less anxious and more excited to learn.