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.