Loma Vista Elementary School – 2009 Winner
Christy has welcomed students with ADHD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and severe physical challenges as well. When a student had a rare illness that might require an emergency injection, Christy met with the nurse monthly to review the protocol even though the student had a one-on-one aide with him at all times. When a bipolar student was slated for Christy’s class, the child’s mother wasn’t sure he was ready for a mainstream class. Christy spent the summer researching the diagnosis and amassed what the mother later called “the bipolar bible”. She met with his parents and developed a plan for his education and integration into the classroom. That boy is now in a mainstream first grade classroom, doing well, and his Mom will always remember Christy for giving her son a chance.