LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

India Laryea was nominated by her friend, Eleni Marsie-Hazen. 

"Ms. Laryea is a true LifeChanger because she leads by example in every aspect of her life. I have had the privilege of calling her my friend since our freshman year of college, and many of the qualities I value most in myself today have been shaped by her influence. She has taught me how to advocate for myself, modeled perseverance through challenges, and lovingly held me accountable when my words and actions did not align with my values. The same intentionality and care she brings to her friendships are evident in the way she serves her students every day," said Marsie-Hazen.

As an educator, Ms. Laryea creates learning experiences that are both thoughtful and engaging. She plans lessons with purpose, yet remains flexible enough to seize teachable moments when real life offers a greater lesson than the curriculum. While ensuring her students master academic standards, she seamlessly weaves in social-emotional learning, teaching them to communicate effectively, respect others' boundaries, establish healthy boundaries of their own, and navigate relationships with confidence and empathy. She has a remarkable gift for making even the most routine tasks exciting and meaningful.

Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, challenged, and celebrated. When their time with her ends, they don't want to leave. In fact, students frequently ask to be placed in her class or stop by simply to spend time in the welcoming environment she has created. That kind of enthusiasm cannot be manufactured. It's the result of the genuine connection she builds with every child.

One of Ms. Laryea's greatest strengths is her ability to build authentic relationships. Her vibrant personality draws people in, but it is her sincerity and compassion that leave a lasting impression. She has the rare ability to hold others accountable with both honesty and grace. Her feedback carries weight because everyone who knows her understands that it comes from a place of deep care, unwavering belief in their potential, and a genuine desire to see them succeed.

She is also deeply committed to knowing each student as an individual. She learns about their interests and thoughtfully incorporates those passions into their learning experiences, making education both relevant and engaging. She takes the time to understand the unique communication styles of her nonverbal students, empowering them with the skills and confidence to communicate with the world around them. In her commitment to serving her students and their families, she even learned Spanish so she could communicate more effectively and build stronger partnerships with them.

"India doesn't simply teach lessons—she changes lives. Every day, she empowers her students to believe in themselves, equips them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom, and creates a community where every child feels valued and capable. Her impact reaches far beyond the walls of her classroom, and there is no one more deserving of recognition as a LifeChanger," said Marsie-Hazen.