Stephanie Thompson
Position: Special Education Paraprofessional
School: Highland Pines School
School District: Tuscola Intermediate School District
City, State: Caro, MI
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Stephanie Thompson was nominated by a colleague, Sue Swathwood.
Ms. Thompson serves as a paraprofessional at Highland Pines School, where she consistently demonstrates exceptional wisdom, compassion, and dedication in her work with students. She has a unique ability to connect with each child on a personal level, teaching them not only academic and functional skills, but essential life and social skills that help them succeed beyond the classroom. Ms. Thompson has a remarkable gift for working with students who present the greatest challenges. She often volunteers to mentor and guide these students, offering patience, structure, and understanding. Her calm presence and skillful approach help them learn how to manage behaviors, build confidence, and develop positive relationships.
"Stephanie never shies away from a challenge. She is always proactive in addressing behaviors, finding creative ways to redirect and teach, and collaborating with staff to ensure every student receives the support they need. Her steady commitment, insight, and heart for the students make her a true LifeChanger for those she serves each day," said Swathwood.
I worked with Stephanie a few years ago she was very good with the kids and very patient, I think she's very deserving of this award.
It is my genuine pleasure to recommend Stephanie for this award. For as long as I have known her, 30 years, I have been consistently impressed by her compassion, her energy, and her remarkable ability to connect with children who face a wide range of challenges.
What sets her apart is the spirit she brings into every interaction. She brings an upbeat, encouraging presence that immediately puts children at ease. Whether she is helping a child navigate a difficult moment or celebrating a small victory with them, she does so with patience, empathy and a true sense of joy. The children respond to her, they trust her, they look up to her and they are inspired by her.
Her dedication goes far beyond just showing up.
Supporting her is, in my view, an investment in someone who will continue to uplift and empower young people for years to come.
Thank you for considering Stephanie for this award.
Stephanie has the kindest heart and a caring soul.
Stephanie is a beautiful soul....she is kind...and she is thoughtful...she is a person I would trust with my children...I have seen her grow up....
Stephanie has been both a student and a colleague of mine and has been exemplary as both. She is a very caring and understanding individual and is very deserving of all the accolades she has earned. I'm very proud to have her in my circle of friends.
Stephanie is highly deserving of recognition as a LifeChanger of the Year. She has an exceptional ability to reach our students both emotionally and intellectually, especially those who are the hardest to engage. The way she connects with my students, builds trust, and supports their growth is truly inspiring. She balances clear-eyed objectivity with genuine passion in her work every day. Stephanie exemplifies the excellence, positive influence, and leadership that LifeChanger of the Year is meant to honor.
I first met Stephanie when I was hired in Highland Pines School. She helped train me for my position. This woman is not just a paraprofessional. She is the perfect example of somebody who needs to win this award. She goes above and beyond to help not just the students, but the staff alike. After she moved from the classroom that I am in to another room, I knew that if there was an issue with any of my students, she would be the first person I would call upon to help me out in how to handle the situation. I have seen her first hand tackle any and every problem that she was faced with. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that every student and staff alike are safe, loved, and respected this is the second time that she has been nominated for this award and it does not surprise me in the least. She is the first one to lend a hand in the first one to think outside the box when something is not working, no matter what she has gone through in her life, she puts that aside to make sure that her first priority are the students of Highland Pines. I think the world of her and I am so grateful that I get to work with her every single day. If there is someone who is deserving of this award, it is her hands-down! I think the best thing about Stephanie is the fact that she doesn’t care about awards and she doesn’t care if she wins. The only thing she cares about is her job, her students, her coworkers, her family, and her friends!
Ms. Stephanie is so deserving to be nominated for the Life Changer Award. She is not only a co worker, I consider her to be a friend. Over the years I have seen Stephanie go above and beyond her duties with the school system. The love for her job, working with children is clearly evident! She cares and loves each and everyone of her students. The relationships she has created with the children is a bond like no other! She puts in so many hours and yet always has a smile on her face. She has found her calling as a teacher and is very deserving of such an award!
Truly deserving. Cares about each and every one of her students.
I think Stephanie deserves to win because she has always had this dedication and drive to actually be involved in her students lives. Whether it be their education or personal lives. Stephanie is one that I believe all students would feel comfortable going to her for anything. She has a big heart and always puts her best foot forward.
Stephanie has been an exemplary employee. She has been at Highland Pines School for four years. In that time, she has worked in several different rooms consisting of ages 10 to mid 20s. She has worked in MOCI which is moderately impaired as well as SCI which is severely impaired. Last year, the teacher in her room suddenly quit leaving that room without a teacher. That room had students which were nonverbal, elopers, highly behavioral, and not all were potty trained. Mind you, all of the students were adults. She was asked by her administration to take over as the sub teacher until a certified teacher could be placed in there. She took that challenge head on which she does in everything in her life. I have had the opportunity to watch her learn, grow and succeed. She has had students not just from her classrooms, but others confide in her and trust in her because they know that she will always be there for them. Stephanie has confided in me personally the struggles that she has faced in her life and decided to pick herself up by her boot straps and continue on because she doesn’t know any other way to be. I have watched her face many challenges at work and always rise to the occasion, no matter what is asked of her. She comes in early, she stays late, she takes on extra bus runs when nobody else will because all she wants is to make sure that her students are safe, heard and loved. She puts her work first and foremost above everything else, not only that, she will be the first one to be there for any staff member who needs her. This woman is a true hero and deserves this award. I have also seen her deal with several students at the same time being able to make sure all of their needs are met. I can’t think of anybody better who deserves this award! She is the very definition of a life changer and a teacher.
Stephanie is such a positive influence and her students love her. She changes lives every day with patience, creativity, and a genuine love for each student.
She lights up a room wherever she goes! Her energy and passion for teaching is magnified by her dedication.
Stephanie is the true definition of a Life Changer. Her hard work and dedication shine in everything she does. She is endlessly caring, consistently going above and beyond expectations, and leading with both talent and compassion. Stephanie is considerate in every decision she makes and pours her whole heart into the people around her.
Stephanie has the unique ability to find what motivates each individual student to help them excel to their greatest potential. Even in tough situations her calm demeanor is an asset not only the students but to the staff around her. Her work ethic and focus keeps the students engaged throughout the school day, helping them learn and grow as students.
Stephanie embodies the exceptional work ethic of a paraprofessional by demonstrating a profound commitment to her students and colleagues. Her dedication is evident in the inspired students who flourish under her guidance and the consistent recognition she receives from colleagues who witness her talent and professional excellence firsthand.
Stephanie is always there when someone is in need! She is amazing at what she does and cares a lot! Stephanie loves what she does and loves working with her students she always goes above and beyond!! Stephanie deserves to be nominated for this award!!!
I work with Stephanie, she is phenomenal with the kids we work with. She often goes above and beyond what is expected. Often she will volunteer to deal with a tough situation. She knows how to build a strong relationship with the kids and other staff around her.
Stephanie Thompson is a wonderful person inside and out. All the challenges that she endures each Day working with special needs children is a challenge but she continues to be patient, loving and kind towards them. Stephanie has the ability to conquer anything that comes her way. Stephanie's is already amazing in our eyes here at Highland pines School and on all our School buses Go Huskies!!! she's going to be a great teacher. She deserves to be nominated for this special award.
Working with kids on a daily basis is a challenge in itself. The duties that are required of a special needs para pro are especially difficult and Stephanie does the job not just to minimum standards but with true enjoyment.
Stephanie is one of the most exceptional educators I have encountered; she consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She possesses remarkable talent and unwavering passion with her profession and her students. Not only does she foster genuine friendships with her students, but also with her coworkers, and she demonstrates exemplary leadership skills. She truly deserves this award for all of the hard work and dedication she’s put for herself and others. She is a great person!
Stephanie is a very caring and passionate individual when it comes to her students. She is always willing to lend an extra hand to help or stay after to make sure everyone is taken care of. She deserves this award for all of her hard work and dedication to her students.
Stephanie Thompson does a wonderful job with the students. She is very thoughtful and caring for each student no matter their situation and takes time to address it. Stephanie will go above and beyond when asked with no hesitation. Stephanie is an extreme down to earth person and plays a special role at the school with the students and changes their lives every day, by nominating her this award will be put to excellent use!
Stephanie is very passionate about helping kids. She does an amazing job with helping to teach my son when she’s hanging out with us. She has a huge heart and a love for teaching children that can’t be denied. I’m so proud of where she is in her life and super proud to call her a friend! I know she will do great things with her future.
This is her 2nd year in a row to be nominated. This job is her passion and I believe her calling. I am beyond proud of Stephanie.
I have seen first hand how Stephanie has overcome significant challenges in her own life. Now she is truly making a difference in the lives of the students and colleagues. When you visit her classroom it is apparent the students and she have a great connection. She is respected and supported by her peers and supervisory staff in her daily work, as well as supporting her in her current task of earning her teaching degree. College is a challenge in the best of situations. Stephanie is currently working as a paraprofessional with special needs students, taking on extra bus duties several times a weeks, working with children in a summer program at a nearby school and is doing all of this while working to earn her teaching degree from Alma College. She has truly found her calling in life, enriching the lives of those around her. An honor such as Life Changer of the Year would be a huge boost in her life!
She is a good one. That’s all you need. With this world the way it is we need more people like her.
Stephanie is the definition of a life changer. She gives her everything, every day to the kids she is with. Day in and day out, Stephanie is there to help and push herself to be the best version of herself for her students. She is incredibly selfless and deserving of this award.
Stephanie is the most adaptable parapro I have ever worked with in my 28 year school career. She is great with students and staff alike. She is an asset to our school. She would be an asset to any school she worked at.
