Music that Describes Elena
Elena DiCiccio was nominated by her principal, Sister Lidia Valli.
Ms. DiCiccio is a LifeChanger for students with intellectual disabilities. She listens, observes, and acts. She sees each student as an individual with talents and gifts. Her expectations are high, and her connection with the students is real, concrete, and spiritual. Ms. DiCiccio has welcomed a nonverbal, sometimes aggressive student with behavioral challenges into her class. With her patience and resilience, she has changed the challenges in opportunities. Now, this student is calmer, happier, learning, and growing.
I had the pleasure of meeting Elena during a visit to the Marian Center was able to witness her interactions and connections with her students. She was not only kind but she encouraged, supported, and celebrated each of her students natural abilities and talents as she fostered independence and a sense of purpose and pride in the work they were doing. It truly was a special thing to see.
Ms. Elena DiCiccio is one of my caddies for the Special Olympics golf. When we go on the course, she helps me during my practice by keeping scores for me. After my practice, she plays two with me, and we often laugh together. Which makes her not just a great caddy but a wonderful friend.
I am Greg Mingo Jr.i play golf i love you she is Nice and I have first place for Bowing line she is nice everyone nice to us
I have had the great fortune of getting to know Ms. Elena DiCiccio and witness first-hand, her caring and commitment to the students at The Marian Center. These precious students are the most vulnerable among us. Elena supports them with an exceptional special education and does it in a dignified and caring manner. Her ‘can-do’ attitude is contagious. She is remarkable and is a tremendous blessing.
I have worked with Elena over the past ten months to design and install a multi-sensory room for her students at the Marian Center and School. I have found Elena to be very knowledgeable and caring with both her students and all the other individuals and staff at the Center and look forward to helping her achieve positive results with her students while using the multi-sensory room. Her positive outlook with her students will help her achieve her goals with her student.
I had the privilege of visiting the Marian School recently. I went with a group to offer the gesture of the water to the students and staff. I was so impressed with the school, the students, the staff and with Ms Elena. The love and dedication that is given cannot be missed. It was truly a honor to get to meet and know Ms Elena and everyone at the school.
We are blessed to have Elena as a faithful parishioner here at Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Sunrise. I am sure that Elena gets her strength from the Eucharist.
My son Andres was a student of Ms. Elena while he attended the Marian Center. She made such a difference in his life, supporting his aptitudes, encouraging his interest and helping him become the productive member of society he is today. She is amazing!
Elena is a special person, she listens, she loves her profession, she is always helping students to become independent and get out of there confort zone. She has a lot of experience and she deserves to grow up as a leader and keep connecting with her community.
Ms. Elena was so welcoming, kind, and joyful as The Marian Center School hosted our group. She is a light from God!
I have often heard Elena speak about her work and the care she puts into every material for her students, even in the smallest details. It is clear that she is deeply committed to helping each student reach their full potential. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, she focused on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. For Elena, teaching is not just a job; it is an opportunity to make a difference, build community, be part of a better place, where the society gets more human and where all feel part of, with all of that, I have come with a rotund conclusion… that she cares!! she truly is a life changer. Thank you, Elena, for reminding us that everyone is important and that our work has meaning.
Elena is an exceptional educator who truly embodies the Marian Center’s mission to educate, empower, and nurture children special needs. Her resilience is great; she never gives up on a student. Driven by a firm belief in every child’s potential and a heart full of empathy, she persists until she finds a way to succeed.
I haven’t had the pleasure of being Elena’s student, but I know that throughout all her years dedicated to education she has been an empathetic and responsible person with great love for her students, always willing to listen to and help her coworkers. She has all the necessary qualities to help make her students well prepared for everyday life
Es una gran persona, siempre von ganas de ayudar a todos. Cubre por mucho la personalidad necesaria para el trabajo tan importante que realiza
Elena es una buena persona, muy empática, es persona muy sensible, dispuesta a ayudar siempre y se adapta rápido a los cambios.
Elena is the kindest person I know. She is always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. She is truly committed to improving other people’s lives in the best possible way, and she is a very good person.
I was a teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for a lot of years. Upon retirement, I volunteered at the Marian Center and worked under Miss Elena. It was my first experience with children of special needs. Watching Miss Elena was a joy. The kindness, dedication, nurturing, and amazing inspiration she gave them all, including me!
What a blessing to have her in the education field.
Elena is ‘an angel in the outfield’. Her work is not a job, it’s a vocation. If ever there was a life changer, it’s Elena - making the lives of our developmentally disabled individuals happy and healthy ones.
Elena does remarkable work with very special students at the Marian Center. She deserves a medal every day as she is changing lives with love and education.
Before I knew her name and job title I knew “Smiley lady who always has snacks to share with everyone in our CD meetings”.
Elena is a kind person with a vibrant personality .
Ms. Elena is great. She currently has my adult daughter participating in the Shake a Leg boating program. So far my daughter Rebecca is really enjoying the program.
Ms. DiCiccio is a wonderful teacher. Her passion for her students is an inspiration to so many. The Marian Center is blessed to have her.
She is an excellent special ed teacher with compassion, empathy and works very well with neurodivergent students.
She is amazing with special needs kids! Very dedicated teacher!
Very polite and respectful person
Ms Elena has been my daughters first teacher as soon as she arrived at the Marian Center almost 15 years ago. She is one of the must kindness, caring ,compassionate and most loving human being. She is so nice and treats everyone as if they’re special people. She just loves our kids and you can see it in everything she does. I am so happy and have the honor to meet her. And to have had her in my daughters life… she is the best.
She is very passionate and committed to all the kids and to her co-workers.
I have known Ms. Elena for several years and every time I see her, she is smiling. It's clear that she likes and enjoys working with her students. I feel that her positive attitude makes a difference.
Ms. Elena is a dedicated and patient teacher to her students with special needs. She exemplifies all the qualities an educator needs. She is committed to making a difference in her students lives.
My name is Maria Eugenia Gonzalez Carrillo and I live in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
My niece Elena’s has shared with me many wonderful things about the school that she works at. Things such as the great relationship with the nuns that she works with.
I know she’s passionate about teaching her students and that she enjoys working with them.
She always has a smile on her face in addition to be very friendly, which makes her a very approachable educator.
I hope in the near future to be able to physically be at the Marian Center School.
I've had the privilege of working with Ms. Elena. She is a great teacher, very caring and understanding she loves her students as well as her co-workers.
I'm very pleased that Elena was nominated, as she is a tireless and dedicated worker. I live in Mexico, so I haven't been able to visit the school, but she always tells me about her work with great enthusiasm.
Ms. Elena is an excellent teacher, compassionate, dedicated to her student’s. Her knowledge, support, and commitment are her greatest strength. I recommend her highly as a great life changer for her students and all who know her.
My cousin Elena is genuinely one of those people who just make life better. She’s always ready to help others, no matter the situation, and she does it with such a positive and happy attitude that it’s impossible not to feel good around her. She’s naturally cheerful, always smiling, and her energy is contagious, you can be having the worst day, and after talking to her, things instantly feel lighter.
She’s also someone you can truly count on. Whenever you need advice, support, or just someone to listen, Elena is there without hesitation. She knows exactly what to say and has this amazing way of turning any bad day into something more positive. Having her in your life feels like a constant source of comfort and encouragement, and it’s honestly incredible how she’s always there for you, no matter what.
I have worked with Elena for 14 years. I have been able to see Elena work and grow with her students and staff. She puts our students always first and makes sure that parents and staff do to. She multi tasks with all subjects and makes sure students are also involve in the community. I’m grateful that Elena has been chosen for this award and hopefully she will receive it. She is deserving of all that comes her way!!! Congratulations
I want to tell Ms. Elena that she is the greatest bell director. Because of her, the bell players play good.
You are an excellent teacher. I like to be with you at mass.
I love going to the field trip to Shake-a-Leg with you. You are the best teacher ever. Ms. Elena, we love you so much.
Ms. Elena is a good teacher. I love when she went to New York with us to play the bells. Ms. Elena is a hardworker.
You are the best and you help us to do better things
and you always are there for us if we need help.
Ms Elena is a true life changer. Bringing patience, compassion and creativity to every lesson she teaches or the interaction with her students. Her dedication helps each child see their unique strengths and believe in their limitless potential. You Rock Ms. Elena!
Dear Miss Elena Diccicio and happy blessings years since 2010 with coach Gloria and all of us in first time ever in different years in the Marian Center and 62 anniversary in our home and favorite school and being taught well so much and great people helping all of us as a family and celebrating many blessings years and best ideas ever to remember forever and making history and having New things Many times and our time is now and we believe with God and Jesus and mother of Marry and Angels and the Lord is good all the time and we are talented and dreams come true and they created all of us as a team for a long time and Little House of Divine Providence with St. Joseph prayed for us and having Mass Many times and sister Lucia and all the sisters and we travel to Italy and Washington DC and New York City to play the bells and going to different places in Miami Florida and playing with different visitors coming to visit and we visited them of Good Ground just like the song and we are family from the heart and dreams come true and happiness and kindness and never give up and believe from the heart and say the mission statement many times and doing the flag and sing many different songs and the Star spangled Banner and of justice and peace and hope and faith and give thanks for everything and having former school president in the Marian Center before to remember forever and having the first time ever teacher Ms. Elena Diccicio is running it is a blessing and having many great people helping all of us many times and doing graduation and birthdays and holidays and enjoying the life and going somewhere fun and taking pictures in our memories it is special for a long time past and present and the future and others will be never forgotten in our hearts and relationship and leadership and friendship and leadership and we have a wonderful amazing story ever to make history and as a family and i was helping many times and making cards and making cards as a gentleman and others to and we give thanks for God and May God bless all of us and May God bless you just like the song and together we can do great things as a team from former school president and former graduations student and Prince Octavis Williams and and our hometown where live and you meet our family members for the first time ever and best memories and well done idea in Jesus name Amen and One love, being taught well so much in our school
Dear Miss Elena Diccicio you been here 15 years 2010 with coach Gloria and Mary great people in the Marian Center help All of us since being young kid's and Young Adults it is a blessing memories to remember forever and happiness and supporting one another in Good Ground just like the song and make great things happen Little House of Divine Providence with St. Joseph prayed for us and sister Lucia and having Mass yesterday and celebrating many blessings anniversary years and birthdays and graduations and the holidays and best ideas ever and the past and present and we are the future as a family and others will be never forgotten in our hearts and relationship and leadership and friendship and legendary career and making history and having great opportunities as a team and we are one body just like the song and you running for president it is a blessing and just like the Marian Center and having former school president and me Octavis Williams and who love to remember many birthdays and the holidays and making cards for others and telling about the Games and help the school with coach and others to as a team and playing golf with you and meeting our family members relationship and leadership with God and Jesus and mother of Marry and Angels and the Lord is good all the time and we are talented and dreams come true and give thanks for everything and May God bless all of us in Jesus name Amen and taking pictures in special moments to remember forever well done as a champion and saying nice things from the heart ?? Amen from Octavis Williams and bell the bells to Italy and Washington DC and New York City since April 2018 at 2019 and 2024 and going somewhere fun and meeting visitors who come to school in our home and being taught well so much and Angels among us faith and peace and hope as a team and never give up and trying our best.
Elena has always been passionate about helping her students. She’s encouraging, supportive and nurturing. She understands what it takes to help her students and expects the same from her peers. These are the qualities I expect not just from an excellent teacher, but also from a leader. Elena is a leader in her field and is a life charger to her community.
Ms Elena is really an excellent teacher. Attentive to the needs of her students, especially those who have more difficulties; she has the ability to grasp the potential of her students. She is a determined, intelligent, responsible, tireless, compassionate, respectful and welcoming teacher. The world needs teachers like Ms Elena DiCiccio! God bless her and the students that she serves!
Having been a teacher for many years, I can see the qualities of someone who can make a difference in any child. Ms Elena GLOWS when asked about her students...and she GLOWS with a huge smile when speaking about them. Ms Elena is a nurturer and a professional in every way. She's compassionate, caring and truly loves her students. She encourages their creativity and helps them to achieve success as they grow...and to help them make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am in awe at what she and her fellow educators are able to accomplish with the challenges her students face! I can imagine the impact she is making on their lives. Marian Center is so proud to have her on their faculty.
Her leadership is marked by kindness and integrity. She goes beyond expectations to ensure that everyone feels valued and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. Whether through her professional excellence, community involvement, or quiet acts of care, Ms. DiCiccio consistently demonstrates what it means to make a difference in the lives of others.
Whether it be in her class, on the stage in a play, in the cafeteria assisting with food or consoling and calming a distraught child, Ms. Ellen is always present in the most supportive, nurturing and loving way that any student could need. She always goes beyond the expectations of her students, parents and fellow colleagues. Her compassion and dedication are critical to overcoming the challenges of working with students with disabilities. She has made a significant impact on many students during her career and we are confident that it will continue for years to come. She is very deserving of this opportunity to be nominated and even more so to be the recipient of this recognition.
Elena is a vibrant and dedicated special education teacher. She sees something special in each student and they see her special too
Elena is the epitome of commitment, perseverance and compassion. Her “work” is her passion. Because she personifies giving; of herself in time and talent, her students, colleagues and community respect, appreciate and love her for her unconditional acceptance and compassion. Elena remains a role model and mentor to those in most need.
Elena is a vibrant and dedicated special education teacher. She sees something special in each student and they see her special too
Elena is an excellent colleague, leader, and specialist in the field of special education. Elena goes all out for her students, seeking different ideas to support, understand, and help them. She works overtime to ensure everything runs smoothly, putting the best interests of her students first. It's an honor to work with her! Ms. Elena shows up daily with her enthusiasm on a passion for her work.
Thank you Elena for your professionalism and dedication!
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Ms. Elena Diciccio for her outstanding dedication and support. As my son’s teacher, she has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, patience, and compassion in addressing his day-to-day needs as a special needs student. Ms. Diciccio consistently provides a nurturing and structured environment that allows him to learn, grow, and gain confidence. Her commitment to his success and well-being has had a truly positive impact, and we are deeply grateful for her continued efforts and care.
Ms Elena Shows strong dedication to student learning and growth.”
• “Creates a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.”
• “Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm in every lesson.”
• “Encourages students to reach their full potential.”
• “Always prepared and organized, ensuring lessons run smoothly.”
Ms. Elena is a remarkable teacher who I have the honor of working with. Being new, I have learned various things from her and her dedication to supporting the students and the community overall is absolutely heartwarming! Congrats on your nomination and you can do it! :)
Ms. Elena DiCiccio is our daughter’s special needs teacher. She makes a huge difference with her positivity, patience, and dedication. She creates a warm and supportive classroom where kids feel safe and valued. Her commitment and kindness show every day, and we’re so thankful for the impact she’s had on our daughter
Ms. Elena is the type of teacher who gives hope to the profession of education at a time that it is being discredited and taken for granted. She is truly committed to her belief that she can and will make a difference in the lives of her students. She recognizes the fact that what she does with and for her students makes a difference in their lives both today and in the future. As a teacher of students with significant cognitive disabilities Ms. Elena accepts her role and responsibility with a great sense of personal passion. She is an advocate for her students and insists that everyone be respected and treated with dignity. Ms. Elena exemplifies the meaning of “Lifechanger”.
Ms. Ellen’s has been a wonderful teacher for student with different abilities. This is a beautiful calling and she has does it with so much grace and love! We are grateful for her and so happy she has been nominated for this recognition, well deserved!
Ms. DiCiccio has been my special needs daughter for more than on or about 10 to 12 years, I lost track. She is the most kindest, helpful and caring teachers I came across in all my 27years of having a child in the school system. I nominate her for this award because I believe that she is a dedicated person and respected teacher in her field. Being a special needs teacher is hard work and requires dedication. Ms. DiCiccio shows up daily with her enthusiasm on. I hope and pray that you choose her for this award. Thank you
Elena is an accomplished teacher who has devoted her life to her students and their education. Throughout her career as a teacher she has always gone above and beyond for the students, the parents, and her coworkers. She is constantly working during her own personal time to come up with creative ideas and fun educational experiences for her students. Elena truly loves her kids and is always trying to do her best. It would be great to recognize her efforts that she has devoted to over twenty years as an educator. She is truly a special person and teacher who is deserving of the recognition.
Elena, as a former student, is one of the best, most patient, responsible, and understanding teachers I’ve ever had. I’ve learned a lot from her. She’s the best teacher you can ask for—patient, understanding, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Elena is one of the most devoted educators I have encountered….she’s fervent about inspiring young minds, she adores her students and will go the extra mile for them. Elena genuinely thrives on being a catalyst for learning and witnessing her students flourish!!! Every step embarked is a triumphant milestone!!!
I notice Elena's tireless commitment to not only her students, but to everyone she meets; her commitment to help everyone feel included and proud. She achieves this, seemingly effortlessly, through communication and understanding on an individual base. She's taught me how to reach and understand those with various disabilities much like her colleagues.
