Come one, come all! It’s time to spotlight our 2026 Spirit of ESD 112 Award nominees!

While only one main campus employee and one district-based employee will be selected as this year’s recipients, every nominee deserves to be celebrated. Each was nominated by a coworker who took the time to share specific examples of how they go above and beyond and represent the true spirit of ESD 112.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. This year’s 10 nominees are…

Annber Neeland, Specialized Services Birth-21

“The second you walk into Annber Neeland’s classroom, you are immediately welcomed with positivity. Annber is consistently upbeat and enthusiastic even when faced with a high caseload and constant need for problem-solving. She never wavers in maintaining a safe, positive, and supportive environment for her staff and students.”

Elizabeth Lester, Student & School Success

“Mrs. Liz routinely blows past the standard job description of her role as a Student Assistance Professional (SAP) to engineer life-altering experiences for our youth. Her daily caseload is already a marathon encompassing substance abuse education, social-emotional goal setting, middle school support groups, and crisis intervention. Yet, she regularly shoulders the massive logistical and emotional weight of complex, out-of-boundary milestones to expand her students’ worldviews far beyond their small-town life and comfort zones.”

Florens Academy, Specialized Services Birth-21

“The Florens team shows up every day for students in the therapeutic program who need consistent, trustworthy adults to help them thrive. Even on difficult days, the team finds ways to stay positive and focused. They communicate closely with families to address concerns and support care needs at home, and parents have expressed deep gratitude for the honest care and education their children receive. For families who have already exhausted other resources, the Florens team provides meaningful support when it is needed most.”

Gorge Academy, Specialized Services Birth-21

“The Gorge Academy team brings a consistently positive and supportive approach to challenging situations. Staff work with patience and flexibility through a trauma-informed lens to help students feel safe, understood, and supported. By creating a calm, predictable environment with clear expectations, they support student regulation, confidence, and growth. Their approach has helped students make meaningful social and academic progress.”

Karen Severson, Specialized Services Birth-21

“Karen brings exceptional creativity and adaptability to her work with special education students. She understands that every child learns differently and consistently finds thoughtful, innovative ways to meet each student’s unique needs. Whether modifying lessons, creating hands-on activities, adjusting routines, or trying new strategies, Karen approaches each challenge with flexibility, patience, and a solution-focused mindset. Her creativity and ability to adapt in the moment help create an environment where all students feel supported, capable, and successful.”

Gena Montgomery, Specialized Services Birth-21

“Gena brings an amazing positive attitude to her work each day and consistently lifts up those around her by celebrating others and recognizing the team’s accomplishments. Her creative crafts and hands-on projects help students learn important concepts in meaningful and engaging ways. She is a joy to work with and a wonderful, collaborative team player.”

Grace Elligott, Business and Financial Management

“During a stressful year for the ESD 112 transportation team, Grace has provided steady, positive leadership when it was needed most. As drivers faced more aggressive behavior on the road and adapted to new technologies, Grace helped bring the team together with strength, encouragement, and care. Her thoughtful notes, appreciation buttons, and recognition during holidays and special occasions have helped staff feel valued and supported.”

Jessica Sanders, Human Resources and Legal Services

“Jessica consistently goes above and beyond by taking initiative, anticipating needs, and tackling challenges that benefit the whole team. She organized and scanned years of stored documents into Laserfiche, making records easier to find while freeing up warehouse space, and created a SharePoint system that makes saving and accessing files more efficient. Jessica takes pride in a job well done, learning what she doesn’t yet know, and improving systems beyond her standard scope of work. Her initiative has added tremendous value by improving both the quality and efficiency of the team’s work.”

Facilities Support, nominated twice!

“The Facilities team consistently delivers exceptional customer service with kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to help wherever they’re needed. Even while managing major projects and renovations, from the homes in the Gorge to facilities across the agency, they never lose sight of the day-to-day needs of staff. No matter the size of the request, from ensuring gates remain accessible to addressing a broken chair, they remain responsive, approachable, and committed to finding a way to get to “yes.” Their dedication, positive attitude, and steady support do not go unnoticed and truly reflect the spirit of ESD 112.”

Alissa Jolly, Student & School Success
Although Alissa is not eligible to receive the award because she serves on the Connects Committee, we still want to recognize the thoughtful nomination submitted on her behalf.

“Alissa lives up to her name by bringing genuine joy, positivity, and purpose to everything she does. Her impact reaches far beyond her department through her leadership on committees, support of agency events, and ability to guide change in a way that helps staff feel included, supported, and excited about the outcome.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees! ESD 112 is fortunate to have you as part of our team.

The two award recipients will be announced at the End of Year Staff Celebration on June 12—the greatest show on Earth, ESD 112 style.

We hope to see you there!