Employees

Congratulations to Our January 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!

Paul McDaniel
Harrison School District, AR

Paul McDaniel was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Harrison Kindergarten, who had such wonderful things to say about his work ethic.

Amanda Atkinson, Reading Specialist, wrote: “Mr. McDaniel has subbed with us for the last few years.  He has completed many long-term substitute positions at our school.  When he first started, I was listening to him work with a group of kids in PE.  I stepped over to that classroom and asked if he was a retired teacher.  He chuckled and said no, then told me he had a group of Kindergarten teachers who took him under their wing and taught him how to substitute teach.  He jumps in and is ready to help with anything and everything anytime he is in our building.  The staff and kids love him!  So thankful that he moved to our area and continued subbing once he moved.”

Jessyka Dove, School Counselor, wrote: “While this school year, we have had some AMAZING substitutes at Harrison Kindergarten, Mr. McDaniel has deserved the title of ‘Substitute Employee of the Month’ for some time. He has covered maternity leave, long-term coverage, scheduled and unscheduled days, jumped classrooms in the middle of the day, and more. He takes the time to get to know the students in his care. He works to learn the routines, expectations, and procedures of the building. He is friendly and builds relationships with all staff.

Once, a timid kindergarten student told me she was scared of having Mr. McDaniel as a substitute. The fear was just about the unknown: only having a male teacher for PE. After checking in with the student throughout the day, she told me that he was her favorite and hoped her teacher would be gone again the next day. ‘I love Mrs. *******, BUT if she decided to stay home tomorrow and he came back, I wouldn’t be as sad about it.’ was what she said to me.”

Grace Damico
New Milford Public Schools, CT

Grace Damico was nominated by Kimberly Valzania, Secretary to the Principal at Northville Elementary School, who wrote: “In an elementary school, the role of a substitute teacher is often one of transition and temporary support. However, at Northville Elementary School, Ms. Grace Damico has redefined this role, transforming it into one of profound stability, leadership, and heart. Stepping into our halls during a period of significant need, Ms. Damico has proven to be far more than a temporary educator; she has become an indispensable pillar of our school community.

Ms. Damico’s journey this year began with what many would consider a daunting assignment: stepping into our building’s most challenging classroom. While others might have hesitated, she entered with a calm resolve and an intuitive understanding of student needs. Her ability to establish structure where there was chaos, and to offer empathy where there was frustration allowed her to turn a difficult environment into a space of safety and learning. Her presence provided the consistency those students desperately needed, setting a positive tone for the entire school year.

Following this success, Ms. Damico transitioned into a long-term substitute role for a kindergarten teacher on maternity leave. The early childhood years are a critical developmental milestone, and a change in leadership can often be jarring for five and six-year-olds. Yet, Ms. Damico navigated this transition with intentionality, using her skills. She didn’t just follow a lesson plan; she cultivated a nurturing ‘home away from home’ for her students. Under her guidance, our youngest learners have flourished, gaining not only academic foundational skills but also the social-emotional confidence required to succeed in school.

The impact of Ms. Damico extends well beyond the classroom walls:

For the Students: She provides a rare blend of firm expectations and unconditional kindness. Students feel seen, heard, and valued under her watch. For example, I watched her gently reiterate hallway rules while reassuring students that everyone makes mistakes but can change their behavior if they remember the rules.

For the Staff: She has become a trusted colleague. Her willingness to collaborate, her flexibility in the face of daily school-day shifts, and her proactive communication have made the workload lighter for the entire Northville team. She actively joined in the fun of the theme days, such as the first 100 days of Kindergarten, Grinch Day, and the Book Character Parade, by dressing up with the rest of the Kindergarten team.

For the Community: She has maintained a seamless bridge between the school and families, ensuring parents feel confident and informed while their regular teacher is away. For example, she handled the fall parent/teacher conferences with ease and expertise, which all but nullified parents’ insecurities about the ‘regular teacher’ being out for an extended period.

Ms. Damico embodies the very best of the ESS program. She is a reminder that one person, armed with patience and a passion for teaching, can fundamentally change the trajectory of a school year. Northville Elementary is a stronger, brighter place because of her dedication, and we are profoundly grateful for the lasting mark she has left on our students and staff alike.

Ms. Damico has been a wonderful addition to the NES community, and we think she is deserving of not only the Employee of the Month award but also the ESS Impact Award for the 2025-2026 school year. We know that she will make an incredible classroom teacher in the near future, as she plans to complete her coursework.”

Dawn Freemore
Wyoming Valley West School District, PA

Dawn Freemore was nominated three times this month by colleagues from Chester Street Elementary School, who spoke of her willingness to help in any way she can. 

Edward Kopec, Librarian, wrote: “Dawn comes to school every day with a smile on her face. She accepts any job given to her without complaint. She has developed strong relationships with both students and faculty.”

Susan Lopuhovsky, School Clerk, wrote: “Dawn goes above and beyond what is asked of her to do. She will step in anywhere she is needed, no questions asked. She volunteers to help whenever it’s needed. She does not hesitate to enter any classroom that needs her help. She is always smiling and maintains a positive attitude toward any situation she faces. She gets along well with her fellow co-workers and is always positive.”

Daniel Modrow, teacher, wrote: “Dawn is always around to help and goes above and beyond to teach her students.”

Katrina Henderson
Roanoke City Public Schools, VA

Katrina Henderson was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Hurt Park Elementary School, who spoke highly of her dependability and professionalism.

Krista Cox, Assistant Principal, wrote: “Katrina consistently demonstrates exceptional dependability and professionalism in her role as a substitute teacher. She arrives prepared and on time, seamlessly supports classrooms, and can always be counted on when the school needs her. Her reliability is the reason she is frequently requested, and her presence is truly valued by both staff and students.

Quiana Fields, Assistant Principal, wrote: “Katrina is an exceptional substitute who is consistently on time, dependable, and professional. Her reliability and willingness to step in whenever needed make a meaningful difference for students and staff. It is no surprise that she is one of the substitutes our school always requests. The school is grateful for her commitment and the care she brings to every assignment.”


Congratulations to our January Employees of the Month!