LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Woodica Cyntrell Legette was nominated by Faythe Redenburg, her principal.

"It is my privilege to recommend Woodica Cyntrell Legette for LifeChanger of the Year," explains Redenburg. "She fosters a safe and positive environment with high academic expectations for her students, who are ages 18-21 with moderate intellectual disabilities."

As Mrs. Legette is committed to being a lifelong learner, she has gained training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the principles of Structured Teaching, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. She is developing standards for transition students to prepare them for the transition from school to the community.

Throughout her years at Fairwold, she informally serves as a mentor to office staff and other teachers. She often facilitates staff development in her areas of expertise for parents, bus drivers, and other district personnel. 

Mrs. Legette effectively uses her vast skill set to build great relationships with all her students and their families. She co-leads the initiative for providing a school-based pantry that offers items for students in need.

"Mrs. Legette exhibits impeccable leadership skills by coordinating an on-campus job enterprise, 'Bear Bucks Café,' and serving as Team leader for the school events team," said Redenburg. "In the past, she has conducted a Parent University, which focuses on providing strategies for increasing students' social, vocational, and communication skills."

Mrs. Legette is the ultimate team player and is a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. She actively engages in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents. Mrs. Legette chairs the SIC (School Improvement Council) and works in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world. She focuses on positive ways to enhance students' academic, postsecondary, and social/emotional development. 

She has been a member of the Fairwold family for over 12 years and wears many hats. The hat that fits her the best is being an advocate for students and her peers.

"On any day, you will see students flocking to their 'School Mom' for advice, comfort, or just for a few words of encouragement," explains Redenburg. "When needed, she is always available and ready to jump in and serve in any capacity. Mrs. Legette started her journey here at the school as the principal's secretary. Seeing the needs of our students, she developed a proposal to obtain a guidance/school counselor at our school and set out to complete the requirements to become a school counselor. Working full-time at the school, she went to school on the weekend and received her degree in counseling."

Since receiving her degree, Mrs. Legette has developed a plan to advocate for students with moderate to severe disabilities. She has made sure that each student has an adult and peer advocate. She has gained partnerships to help fund numerous school enterprises that help students gain job skills and maximize their independence.

"Even after working two jobs in the afternoon, on the weekend, you will see her shopping for the school store and working with the principal to ensure that the needs of the students and staff are met," said Redenburg.

Mrs. Legette provides professional development for staff that encourages teachers to develop positive relationships with our students. The relationships formed have reduced the number of crises resulting from most students' lack of communication skills. She is currently a Master Level trainer of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, a Mental Health First Aid trainer, and a trainer in tools used to encourage positive interactions between students and staff.

"Without any reservation, I nominate Woodica Cyntrell Legette for the LifeChanger of the Year Award," said Redenburg. "She has touched and changed so many lives, including mine. You cannot ask for a better co-worker, counselor, advocate for children, and most importantly, a friend."