LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Theresa Stellacci was nominated by a family member, Diane Stellacci.

Ms. Stellacci has been a teacher for 11 years and has touched the lives of hundreds of students. Even during some of the most difficult days, her performance is always exceptional. She has created a classroom environment that is rich with reading centers, classroom pets, and engaging activities. Ms. Stellacci has provided food, clothing, and a nurturing environment to students in need.

During her first year, Ms. Stellacci had her hands full with a classroom of students with challenges. She provided them with guidance, friendship, nourishment, and an education. She still keeps in touch with many of those students and their parents. Ms. Stellacci has even attended some of their middle school graduations, and has promised to stay with them throughout their educational career.

She is very involved with her students and enjoys creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all. One year, she brought Santa to the classroom, and gave out gifts to her students that she purchased out-of-pocket. She raised chickens for a science project, and won first place in the Science Fair that year. She has also set up libraries and reading areas in the classroom.

Ms. Stellacci helped a student get involved with martial arts as a way to manage their anger and behavioral issues. Not only has she helped a student with Cerebral Palsy receive the care they need, but she also purchased a basket full of goodies for a former student who was diagnosed with cancer. She loves to help out in any way she can. She is an artistically talented educator who loves to decorate the classrooms and hallways with beauty. 

Ms. Stellacci recognized that one of her students had a disability called Selective Mutism, which is a complex anxiety disorder found in children. She spent the year devising strategies to help the student feel more comfortable, and by Christmas, the student was able to speak to Santa when he visited the classroom. Another student entered Ms. Stellacci's classroom with no ability to read. With the help of her assistant, they managed to have the student reading by the end of that year.

She is always making sure that students have clothes on their back and food in their stomachs. Ms. Stellacci's school has benefited from her generosity, spirit, intelligence, and total devotion to the students who are lucky enough to have her in their lives. She has a philosophy that every child deserves a hug, and she does that every day.

"Theresa does all of this in an urban environment, where outside influences can be dangerous to students who are at risk on a daily basis," Diane Stellacci said. "Most of all, she does it with an open heart and a passion for teaching that is rare."