Special Education Parents

Five educators won the Special Education Make a Difference Award from the Macomb County’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) in 2011. These awards are especially meaningful because students and their parents nominated their favorite educators for the honor.

This year's winners are:

1. Malin Devins, Sequoyah AI Program, MISD

2. Helen Horn, Keith Bovenschen School, MISD

3. Cynthia Jacobson, Romeo High School, Romeo Schools

4. Kristina Lepper, Graebner Elementary, Utica Community Schools

5. Ilene Stein, Lutz School for Work Experience, MISD

CONGRATULATIONS to this year's winners

from the
Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee

 Macomb Intermediate Schools
 Sequoyah AI Program

Malin Devins has worked with people of all ages with special needs. She has a way of making each child feel special when they walk through the door each day.  Her work extends beyond the classroom, as she maintains close relationships with the parents of her preschool students. Malin’s students’ successes have demonstrated her belief that each child is a treasure chest and we need the keys to unlock them. Malin obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Baker College in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Autism.  She is also an active fundraising committee member with the Friends of Jacob.

 Macomb Intermediate Schools
 Keith Bovenschen School

Helen Horn has been a teacher at Keith Bovenschen School since December, 2007 and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Special Education, Saginaw Valley State University. Helen is often described as the Energizer Bunny; with boundless energy, she keeps on going! One parent said, “Her upbeat attitude is contagious! She has so much passion for everything she does with the kids.” Another parent said, “She works with her students with contagious enthusiasm, her energy level excites her students and motivates them to excel.” She is quick to ask what can be done to help and does so in a genuine, sincere manner.  Helen also serves on several committees and in the last three years, she participated in the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics.   

Romeo Community Schools
 Romeo High School

Cynthia Jacobson began her work in the Romeo Community School District in 1999 and has always gone above and beyond in her service to students, motivating them to do their best and gain independence. Cindy advocates for students in many settings and curriculums and commits herself fully to aid students in reaching their full academic and social potential. She will stop at nothing and will give her all to help students in need. Because of these attributes and more, Cindy Jacobson is an invaluable asset to the Romeo Community Schools District.

Utica Community Schools
 Graebner Elementary School

Kristina Lepper is a talented special educator who works hard to help all students achieve their maximum potential. She has spent her entire career in Utica Community Schools. As a resource program teacher, Kristina works with a variety of students according to their individual needs. In the past five years she has developed a specialty working with students with autism by creating a unique system of intervention strategies and supports in which non-disabled peers are trained to assist their special needs classmates. This has been a wonderful opportunity for all of the students to learn the importance of community if a very positive way. Kristina is a highly committed and invested teacher who in the spirit of this award "makes a difference" to all of her students.

Macomb Intermediate Schools
 Lutz School

Ilene Stein cannot resist a challenge. This is best illustrated by her influence on the students at Robert Lutz School for Work Experience in the Macomb Intermediate School District.  Her skills and talents are highly regarded and recognized. She has dedicated herself to advancing the indepen-dence of her students with her resourceful nature.  Her creative and innovative ideas have opened a new world to hundreds of students and it goes without saying that Ilene Stein truly “makes a difference,” not only in education, but with every student, parent and colleague.   

To return to the Macomb PAC web site, click here.