LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Patricia Pizarro was nominated by a former colleague, Rachel Badger. 

Ms. Pizzaro has been doing amazing work for many years. She works as a special educator for children with significant behavioral difficulties that prevent them from accessing their classrooms. Her passion for these children has absolutely had a significant impact on them, their communities, and their futures. Many of the children in these programs could be left behind and left out due to maladaptive behaviors. However, Ms. Pizarro has created a space for them to be seen, heard, and recognized as community members.

"In addition to the work she has done with her students, she had a massive impact on me as my first supervisor out of my undergrad. She inspired me to get my Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis to learn not just why behaviors happen, but how to help students find appropriate outlets and learn to access their classrooms and communities. This education has impacted my role at National Life, teaching me how to work with various personalities and how to approach the science of learning for diverse groups of learners. While it has been many years since we worked together, her impact on me and my teaching has lasted and will continue to be a huge part of my teaching philosophy. Patty's work for St. Albans City School has, without a doubt, had a huge impact on individual children, teachers, and community members for many years. She defines what it means to leave a lasting, positive impression on each life she touches," said Badger.