2016 POTY Nominees
Here are your 2016 nominees!
Lynn Busby
What made you seek employment at a school?
I started in the school system in 1999. I was volunteering at Centennial High School and was offered a job in the front office/attendance department. I accepted a "job sharing" position and discovered I really enjoyed the students and the opportunity to be a positive role model. I lost that job in 2009 due to budget cuts when Fulton County terminated all part time employees. I was truly disappointed but immediately found a job in a local used book store, where I became a manager. After five years at the book store I made the decision to return to the school system and was given the opportunity to work at Haynes Bridge as a part time employee in the fall of 2014. I was offered full time employment in January of 2015 and the rest as they say "is history".
School and Community Involvement
My school involvement revolves around my job. I arrive early in the morning, approximately 7:15 am, as this is when the students begin to arrive for their extracurricular activities, and the ringing of the doorbell begins. I monitor the students who arrive and direct them to the correct location.
I also remain at the school until approximately 4:45 and assist students who have missed their bus or have other issues that need to be resolved.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
It is hard to select one favorite thing. I love interacting with the students and the opportunity to be a positive role model.
I look forward to every day because each day brings different challenges and opportunities.
I also enjoy the interaction with parents and the comradery with my coworkers.
Oh...and having summer off is pretty nice too!! :)
Melissa Davis
What made you seek employment at a school?
Whether you are a bookkeeper, teacher, nurse, custodian, or cafeteria server or an assistant or administrator, working in a school provides the opportunity throughout the day to interact with students and provide a positive influence. Some children don't have the kind of attention at home that they need and deserve. Nurturing relationships with adults can serve as a foundation for a child's future success. I wanted to work at a school to be a part of the ground work for that success to our younger generation.
School and Community Involvement
National Association for professional women, member of the HBMS leadership team, student mentor, founder of HBMS Cheerleading Squad. At HBMS, my role is unique, although my official title is Professional Assistant III, Bookkeeper, principal's secretary, I believe my true role is to be helpful to others no matter the task.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
Being a part of the growth of a child is one of the most inspirational jobs one can have. Yes we all face our daily challenges, but working at a school is also one of the most rewarding and satisfying. My favorite aspect of working in education is simply "education". Watching a child learn and grow physically, emotionally, and, intellectually, is truly amazing, and knowing each of us are a part of that growth insurmountable.
Sharon Etris
What made you seek employment at a school?
I planned to become a teacher when in high school and actually got my first degree in music education. Several year later after having children of my own, I shifted my focus to special education. My son has some challenges and was eventually identified with a Learning Disability, and that led me to seek certification in Learning Disabilities. When I moved back to Georgia in 1989, I had already applied with several counties. I happened to ask if they had any special education opening at my son’s new school, Crabapple Middle School. They did! That started my teaching career in the field of special education in Georgia.
School and Community Involvement
My position allows me to connect with parents, teachers, other staff, and students. I feel that I am easily accessible and provide support to anyone who asks. I am a Check & Connect mentor which I think brings another level of support and trust to my mentee outside of the classroom. I am involved every year in the planning for Exceptional Children’s Week.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
I enjoy being around students, and I like the camaraderie with the staff. The
people who have chosen to be in the field of education are generally those who want to make a difference in students’ lives. It feels good to be a part of that positive spirit.
Susan Pack
What made you seek employment at a school?
When I first moved to Alpharetta in 1997, I started volunteering at my childrens school. After working with the students, teachers, paras, and administration, I decided I wanted to work there full time. I was very impressed with the work they did and the impact they had on the students and their families and wanted to be part of that process. I have been a para for 17 years and still look forward to coming to work every day and I truely love every minute that I have been working with the special needs children in the North Metro Program.
School and Community Involvement
Over the last several years I have worked with the Cub Scouts, Special Olympics, and mentoring at risk children. I also volunteer at assisted living facilities, and Adopt a Golden Atlanta. I'm currently in the process of getting my English Creme Golden Retrievers, Atticus and Boo-Radley, certified as therapy dogs.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
The impact I have on the students.
Diane Stephenson
What made you seek employment at a school?
I was a volunteer at my son’s school and saw that teachers did not have the time to evaluate the software that was available in the Media Center for check out for their Apple IIe’s – HA – it’s true! Also I love kids’ and admire teachers and the schedule matched my kids!
School and Community Involvement
I was the founding chair of the Tech Competition many years ago. I am a member of leadership as well as leadership for various technology related projects.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
My favorite thing is the people and the relationships. I have been blessed to be the recipient of the POTY in year’s past. Please join me in voting for one of the other very worthy candidates. We have so many fabulous support people here at HBMS that we could not do without!
Carol Stuhltrager
What made you seek employment at a school?
I first started working at the school after my youngest child began school. Prior to that I did a lot of volunteering at the school and once he began, the Principal asked if I would like a job since I was in the building all the time. I loved tutoring students and helping and supporting teachers and administration.
School and Community Involvement
This is my second year to be the staff advisor for the Dr. Who Club. I have been a PTA Treasurer for both the Elementary school and Middle school that my children attended, as well as sat on the TOTY selection team, Assistant Principal Interview process and have served as committee chair on various committees. I also work with Habitat for Humanity through my church along with other ministries to include visiting the sick, and collecting and sorting donations for different charities.
What is your favorite thing about working in the education field?
The thing I like best about working in the education field and at this school is watching the students’ transition from 6th grade to 8th grade. I enjoy seeing how they grow both in maturity and intellect in 3 short years. It is gratifying at times to see the relationships they forge with staff, administration and each other over time. Looking at them as our future can sometimes be frightening but most times is very satisfying. This school is truly an enjoyable place to work and to develop friendships.