LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Terri Lane was nominated by Polly Bruno.

Mrs. Lane has built more than a program. She's built a purpose-driven community where students with disabilities can grow, connect, and thrive. Through her leadership of the Transition Program in Auburndale, she has created a safe, vibrant, and inclusive space for young adults who have deferred their diplomas to develop life skills, job readiness, and meaningful independence.

Her program is not one-size-fits-all. It's a living, breathing reflection of each student's unique needs, strengths, and potential. From the very first day, Mrs. Lane makes every student feel seen, valued, and capable of contributing to the world around them.

The opportunities she provides are nothing short of extraordinary. Students learn community service by tending to the Butterfly Garden, supporting local businesses by making t-shirts and organizing materials, and gaining real-world experience by working in boutiques and restaurants. They even work on a nut farm, where they rake, clean, roast, and package nuts for sale. In the classroom, they sew quilts, craft gnomes, design graphic tees, and run their own thrift store, selling handmade items at community events. Every dollar earned goes back to the students, reinforcing the value of their work and the dignity of their contributions.

Mrs. Lane also ensures students experience the joy of community life. Weekly library visits, dining out at local restaurants, and trips to nearby stores are woven into the fabric of their routine. Her impact goes far beyond skill-building, however. Mrs. Lane nurtures confidence, social growth, and emotional resilience.

"My own son entered the program unsure of himself and hesitant to engage with others. Over the past two years, he has blossomed into a confident, social young man with a group of close friends he proudly calls his 'besties.' He now navigates the community with independence, joy, and a sense of belonging that I never imagined possible. Mrs. Lane has given him—and so many others—the chance to experience adulthood with dignity, connection, and pride," said Bruno.

Her dedication is tireless, her compassion is boundless, and her belief in her students is unwavering. She doesn't just change schedules or teach skills. She changes lives. She opens doors that many families thought were closed forever. She builds bridges between students and their communities, and she helps young adults discover who they are and what they can become.

"For every parent who has watched their child grow under her care, Mrs. Lane is more than an educator. She is a LifeChanger, a dream builder, and a beacon of hope," said Bruno.