Employees

Congratulations to Our April Employees of the Month!

At ESS, our strength lies in our phenomenal team, and we’re proud to recognize those who lead by example. Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We believe in celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our team members who go above and beyond in their roles. We are thrilled to recognize our January 2026 Employees of the Month!

Madison Rivera
Middletown Public Schools, CT

Madison Rivera was nominated by Amanda Martinez, Principal at Spencer Elementary, who wrote: “I am pleased to nominate Madison Rivera for her outstanding contributions as a Long-Term Substitute at Spencer School since January. From her very first day, Madison seamlessly stepped into her role and quickly became a valuable asset to our school community. She approached the position with confidence, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to student success.

Madison has created a safe, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable, respected, and ready to learn. She consistently demonstrates strong classroom management, thoughtful planning, and a deep understanding of her students’ needs. Her ability to build positive relationships with students and staff alike has made her an integral member of our team in a short period of time.
 
Additionally, Madison shows a strong willingness to learn and grow in her practice. She actively seeks feedback, reflects on her instruction, and goes above and beyond to ensure her success and the success of her students. Her dedication, initiative, and positive attitude have made a meaningful impact on our school community.
 
Madison Rivera’s commitment to excellence and her nurturing approach to teaching make her highly deserving of this nomination. We are fortunate to have her at Spencer School and appreciate the many ways she contributes each day.”

Shalon Chester
Muscogee County School District, GA

Shalon Chester was nominated five times this month by colleagues from Rothschild Leadership Academy and one time from a colleague at East Columbus Magnet Academy, who spoke of her exceptional dedication, reliability, and positive impact on students.

Ella DeDeaux-Holloway, Teacher, wrote: “I would truly like to nominate Shalon Chester for the ESS Employee of the Month award because she is simply one of those people you can count on, no matter what.

For the past two years at Rothschild Leadership Academy, Ms. Chester has shown up and shown out for our students. As our Building Substitute and previously as an ELA Substitute Teacher, she didn’t just fill in;  she stepped in and took ownership. She kept structure in the classroom, held students accountable, made sure they had what they needed, and followed the curriculum like it mattered, because to her, it does.
 
What I appreciate most about Ms. Chester is her consistency and her heart. She creates an environment where students feel comfortable but still know expectations are high. Staff feel supported, and there is a sense of calm and reliability when she is in the building. That kind of presence cannot be taught; it comes from who she is.
 
And she doesn’t stop there. As an Assistant Coach for Cross Country, she continues to pour into students outside the classroom, pushing them, encouraging them, and helping them grow not just academically, but personally.
Ms. Chester goes above and beyond without needing recognition, which is exactly why she deserves it. She is dependable, positive, and committed to doing what’s best for students every single day.
 
I wholeheartedly support her nomination and thank you for considering her for this well-deserved recognition.”

Melissa Price, Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Chester has gone above and beyond for the teachers she fills in for. She always checks in with students and teachers to make sure the criteria are met, follows up with an email, and continues to check in even after substituting. She submits emails to include the teacher in what she did with the class, completes behavior forms for each period, and makes phone calls to maintain open communication with the teacher. She always has a positive attitude towards the students and staff, and she continually goes out of her way to make sure students are getting the materials they need for the planned assignment. She continues to spread love and support to the teachers, staff, and students. She is exceptionally helpful and an asset to our district. We enjoy having her support our team!”

Keya Jenkins, Paraprofessional, wrote: “I am writing to nominate Shalon Chester for ESS Employee of the Month. Over the past 2.5 years, Shalon has been a dedicated member of the RLA Drama Club team, providing valuable casting insights for productions including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Addams Family,’ and ‘The Grinch.’ Additionally, she has been a significant asset in our PES department. She has been supporting both verbal and non-verbal students in math, science, and social studies.”

Ariel DeMunn, English Teacher, wrote: “She has served as a building sub at our school. This woman is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with those around her.”

Tiana Gates, Teacher, wrote: “She is everything! The kids love her and she does her job well.”

Duane Melvin, Teacher, wrote: “Always available to help, and willing to help any child.”

Sarah Pate
Cumberland County Schools, NC

Sarah Pate was nominated by Anna Ackerman, Bookkeeper at Beaver Dam Elementary School, who wrote: “I’m writing this in hopes that Mrs. Pate will be considered Employee of the Month at ESS. It is such a joy to work with Mrs. Pate. She is a very hardworking, good-natured young lady. So much so that the teachers continually ask me to bring her back, as do the students. When the teacher announces they have to be out, the students always ask me to please ask Mrs. Pate to come back.

Not only is Mrs. Pate hardworking, but she is also very empathetic with each and every student and all of the staff. Mrs. Pate continually tells me she loves coming to our school, and it shows. Mrs. Pate consistently follows the lesson plans left for her and keeps students on target as well. There have been many times when the students have been very challenging, but she continues to keep management over each and every one of them. We are very grateful for Mrs. Pate, and it is such a joy to have her as part of our team!”

Sonya Demacek
River Valley School District, PA

Sonya Demacek was nominated nine times this month by colleagues from River Valley School District who all spoke about her dedication to the school and even serving as a yearbook advisor and track coach.

Kayla Gunder, Teacher, wrote: “She goes above and beyond, daily.”

Rebecca Miloser, Teacher, wrote: “I am pleased to nominate Sonya Demacek for ESS Employee of the Month in recognition of her outstanding dedication, professionalism, and positive impact on our school community.

Sonya consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to quality in everything she does. She goes well above and beyond the expectations of her role, stepping in wherever needed and offering support before, during, and after the school day. She is a classroom substitute willing to transition and be flexible, taking on any role during the school day. She assists in the office, hallway duties, and cafeteria duties. She tutors students and is always visible throughout the school building. Her willingness to help in any capacity makes her an invaluable member of our team.
 
She serves as an exceptional role model for both students and staff. Sonya approaches each day with a positive attitude and treats everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion. Her interactions with students are especially noteworthy as she builds meaningful connections and ensures that all students feel supported and valued.
 
In addition to her work during the school day, Sonya shows a deep commitment to our broader school community. She volunteers her time to coach sports such as track and consistently communicates with parents in a positive, professional manner. Her involvement extends far beyond the typical responsibilities of a substitute, reflecting her genuine care for student success and well-being.
 
Sonya’s dedication, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile truly embody the values of ESS. She is highly deserving of this recognition, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for Employee of the Month.”
 
Naysa Altmeyer, Spanish Teacher, wrote: “Sonya is very reliable and always shows up with a smile on her face! You know things are going to be taken care of when she is in for you.”

Bethany Faulk, Counselor, wrote: “Sonya is always helpful, but during our busy state testing season, she has been a tremendous support. She is a substitute I can rely on for anything! I can place her in any situation and trust that the task will be completed correctly and efficiently. I truly appreciate her willingness to step in wherever she is needed. She also builds strong rapport and meaningful relationships with all of our students. We are so lucky to have her, and she is very deserving of this award.”

Eric Westendorf, Principal, wrote: “Sonya’s attendance is impeccable, and she is always willing to step in and step up for whatever the day might bring.  She has even stepped up to fill a void in our yearbook and to coach track this spring.  She is a wonderful asset to our district.”

Leah Lucas, Special Education Teacher, wrote: “Sonya is dedicated and always fills in wherever she is needed DAILY. Sonya is great at what she does. She deserves this recognition!”

Heather Faulk, STEAM Teacher, wrote: “I’d like to nominate Sonya for ESS Employee of the Month. She’s always willing to pick up a variety of jobs and really enjoys getting to know students across the building. She does a great job balancing kindness and approachability with structure and clear expectations.
 
I always feel comfortable knowing my classroom is in good hands with her. My plans are followed, and things run smoothly. On top of that, she volunteers with the junior varsity track team and serves as a yearbook advisor, which shows her dedication to our school.
 
She’s active in the community, knows our students well, and is someone we can always count on. Sonya deserves this recognition.”

Brian Higginbotham, Principal, wrote: “Sonya is an all-star! She steps up and does whatever anyone asks. But more importantly, she does things all day long without anyone asking her to. When Sonya recognizes that a student or staff member needs assistance, she provides it. We are so happy that we get to work with her every day.”

Danielle Bouy, Secretary, wrote: “Sonya goes above and beyond for our teachers and students at River Valley! She is kind, caring and considerate of others, and has made great connections with all of our students. She aligns herself with our district practices and has been an amazing addition to our building. We would be lost with out Sonya!”


Congratulations to our April Employees of the Month!