LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Caitlyn Connelly was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Connelly is a dedicated special education paraprofessional whose daily commitment to inclusion, kindness, and student empowerment profoundly enriches Redtail Ridge Elementary and the wider Prior Lake–Savage community. Known for bringing out the best in every child, she creates welcoming environments where students of all abilities feel seen, valued, and encouraged to participate. Recognizing and promoting compassion schoolwide, Ms. Connelly founded the Heart of Gold monthly award to honor students who model inclusivity and kindness. This initiative celebrates peer leadership, reinforces positive behavior, and raises awareness about the importance of empathy in the school culture.

A relentless advocate for access, Ms. Connelly submitted a compelling funding proposal for half of a Guided Hands device and, through her efforts, secured two devices—dramatically improving mobility and learning opportunities for students with physical needs. Her contributions have been recognized district-wide with a nomination for the Prior Lake–Savage Area Schools Outstanding Service Award. Beyond the school day, Ms. Connelly has long served in CheerAbilities at Northern Elite, recently became a coach, and reinstated the youth adaptive team after many years—creating new opportunities for social connection, skill development, and confidence for adaptive athletes.

"Every day, Caitlyn enters the school with a positive, can-do spirit that lifts students, colleagues, and families. Her compassion, initiative, and measurable results embody the LifeChanger of the Year Award's mission to honor educators who transform lives," said the nominator.