Alysia Fink was nominated by a colleague, Juliemary Aran-Caban.
Ms. Fink is an extraordinary educator whose impact goes far beyond the classroom. She is not only deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with her students, but she also extends that connection to their families, ensuring a strong support system that benefits each child holistically. Her approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and dedication, making her a true LifeChanger for both ESE and general education students. She consistently demonstrates a nurturing and caring attitude, creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel valued and understood.
Her ability to connect with families through regular communication, collaboration, and genuine care strengthens the bridge between home and school, which is essential to student success. Ms. Fink is responsible, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile. Whether it's staying late to support a student, preparing individualized materials, or simply offering a listening ear, she does it all with grace and compassion. Her sweet and gentle demeanor, combined with her unwavering commitment to her students' growth, makes her a role model for other educators. Her work is a testament to the power of relationships in education, and her influence will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the lives of the students and families she serves.
Mrs Fink is a wealth of knowledge with a heart of gold. My daughter had her for a 2yo playgroup. Her ability to teach through music and play was second to none. I am forever grateful for her time at MCA!
I have known Alysia since 2002, and throughout these years she has consistently demonstrated exceptional character and dedication. She is a U.S. Army veteran who worked tirelessly in service to the United States, always showing professionalism, discipline, and commitment. Alysia is highly skillful, kind-hearted, and an amazing human being who treats everyone with respect and compassion. She has a naturally positive attitude, leads by example, and never hesitates to put in the extra effort to get things done right. Her strong work ethic, integrity, and supportive nature make her someone people trust and admire.
Alysia is a blessing to everyone she encounters. Whether it’s a colleague, a parent, or a student. Her willingness to support everyone and her ability to always make you feel seen and heard make her a true Lifechanger in every sense of the word. Thank you for being a light in this world.
I have known Alysia since she was in school herself. She was always very outgoing and concerned about family, friends and classmates, She went on to serve her country in the military and a tour in Afghanistan. After she came home she continued to serve her community with arts and music school, teaching art, dance, theater and music. She has a genuine love and care for her students and always goes above and beyond in her efforts to teach and help them. I am very proud of her, and happy for her nomination.
Alysia has always been a life changer. Even in high school she was a role model and school leader a master of the arts. Compassionate caring and supportive. She carries these gifts and talents in her in every life purposes teaching, and mother hood. Her character represents integrity and kindness she is more than deserving of this award.
I have known Alysia Fink for many years. She has ALWAYS been a positive influence on children. She has been reliable, trustworthy and engaging. Alysia gives her all when working with children, and adults. I don't know anyone more deserving of this honor!
This is my daughters absolute FVORTE teacher! She was in Mrs. Fink's classroom for two years due to her moving from 1st to 2nd grade teaching (now working exclusively with special needs). My daughter is a high-functioning autistic child with social anxiety and sensitivities to both sounds and too much physical activity around her - often resulting in getting bullied by her peers. Mrs Fink, through her kind and patient demeanor, knew how to not only make my daughter feel welcome and loved in socially overwhelming situations, she helped her thrive academically! This incredible woman has our gratitude for life, helping to make learning and navigating life through challenging situations possible for our child.
Thank you!!!
Mrs. Fink is truly an exceptional educator. She is kind, warm-hearted, caring, passionate, and patient. My child genuinely enjoyed going to school each day while under her guidance. She is one of those rare teachers who make a lasting and meaningful impact on a child’s life.
She possesses a remarkable ability to communicate with children in ways that help them understand, grow, and feel supported. She consistently made herself available to meet with us as parents, offering thoughtful guidance and insight. The knowledge, support, and encouragement she provided to both students and their families were invaluable.
Mrs Fink is truly the epitome of what a teacher should be. Not only is she kind and caring, but she treats all of her kids with kindness and as special individuals and not just another student. She is truly concerned about each student’s well-being. She makes sure to keep a structured environment to help every student succeed. And she creates a safe place for her students to be themselves. She has such a special passion for career and her students, and to have her in your students life is such a blessing! My daughter had her for 1st and 3rd grade, we have since moved but still we talk about Mrs Fink and the amazing light she was for our daughter!
Rarely do you meet someone who cares so deeply for children…all children. She is thoughtful, kind and so willing to go the extra mile. She also works in her churches special needs classroom on Sundays. She is, definitely, a life changer!
Mrs. Fink is amazing. I always see how dedicated she is to what she does, and she manages to do it all with a smile on her face. Her gentleness with the students she helps is truly remarkable. She has a natural way of making everyone feel supported and valued, and her patience and kindness shine through in everything she does. We are incredibly grateful to have someone like her on our team.
Ms. Fink is amazing!!! She cares about the students and goes out of her way to make sure every student is seen and succeeds!
Ms. Fink is a beautiful, authentic and kind person. She is so warm and welcoming. She is great at what she does and is greatly appreciate for her work with ESE students! Thank you for all you do!
Great job! Continue to change lives and shape the future!
Ella es bien nice. Muy bien Ms. Fink!
She deserves his recognition! I see her working in small group with students all day long. She is always willing to help.
Mrs. Fink is extremely inspiring. She has such a kind demeanor and treat everyone with kindness. This is definitely deserved.
Mrs. Fink always has a smile when I see her! Even such a small act of positivity is contagious around our school! Thank you Mrs. Fink!
Alysia is very deserving of this award! She is kind to everyone, always takes the time to check in on you, and creates meaningful relationships with her students. Congratulations!
Mrs. Fink has been a light in my life at school and at church! She always has something positive to say!
Mrs. Fink,
Congratulations on your remarkable nomination as Educational LifeChanger of the Year! This honor is a true reflection of the passion, dedication, and heart you bring into your work each and every day. Your unwavering commitment to students, families, and colleagues radiates through everything you do, and it is no surprise that others have recognized the profound impact you make.
You exemplify what it means to be a life-changer, someone who inspires growth, builds confidence, uplifts spirits, and creates meaningful opportunities for those around you. Whether through your patient guidance, innovative ideas, or genuine care, you continuously leave a positive and lasting impression on the lives you touch.
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. I am incredibly proud of you and grateful for your contributions to our school community. May this nomination remind you of the difference you make and the countless lives you influence for the better.
Wishing you continued success and celebration during this special achievement!
Mrs. Fink is an amazing teacher and is always there to help the students. She always has a positive attitude and goes out of her way to make sure that the students understand the assignments that she is helping them on. Mrs. Fink changes lives every day.
Way to go Mrs.Fink, extremely proud of your hard work and nomination.
Mrs. Fink is truly an outstanding teacher. She always puts students first. She is a joy to work with. I am very blessed to have her a colleague and someone I can rely on.
Ms Fink has not only been my cherished colleague, but a loving and caring friend. I’ve known her for 4 years, and I’ve been blessed for those four years. She deserved this recognition because she never thinks of herself, she is always there for fellow co-workers and above all the students of Mater Davenport. Her knowledge and consideration has given these students confidence that they can succeed in whatever they set out to do! She deserves all the recognition that she can receive.
Here is a revised version written as a parent, with deep knowledge of Mater Academy Davenport, but without revealing or hinting at being the principal or posting anonymously. It reads like a deeply informed, deeply grateful family who has been part of the school for years:
Alysia Fink is the kind of teacher who doesn’t just teach a child for a year… she leaves an imprint on their entire life. For two years, she poured her heart into my son and into our family in ways that are hard to fully capture.
From the very beginning, she lived out everything Mater Academy Davenport prides itself on: strong relationships, high expectations, genuine care, and the belief that school is not just a place for academics but a community that wraps around children when they need it most. She understood my son as a learner and as a person. She knew how to push him, how to comfort him, how to motivate him, and how to help him find confidence he didn’t know he had.
During one of the hardest moments our family has ever faced, she showed a level of compassion and humanity that can never be repaid. She took the time to visit my son in the hospital during a moment when he needed stability, encouragement, and a familiar face more than anything. She didn’t come as “just” his teacher. She came as someone who cared deeply about his heart, his healing, and his sense of safety. Sitting with him, talking to him, making him feel like he was still connected to his school community — that was life changing. That kind of support is not in a job description. It comes from who a person is.
What makes her extraordinary is that she shows this same level of dedication in the classroom every day. Her educational philosophy is structured, warm, joyful, and full of purpose. She is intentional, organized, and always prepared. She celebrates growth, uses data to guide her instruction, communicates with families consistently, and fosters a learning environment where children feel confident and cared for. She builds strong routines, positive relationships, and a classroom culture rooted in respect and love.
She also goes above and beyond for the Mater community — participating in school-wide events, volunteering, encouraging students outside of her classroom, and constantly finding ways to support not just academics but student wellbeing. She embodies what makes Mater Davenport such a special place: the blending of academic excellence with deep connection and heart.
For my son, she was a lifeline. For our family, she was an anchor during a storm. For her students, she is a champion. And for this school community, she is a true life changer.
There are amazing teachers, and then there are teachers who change the trajectory of a child’s life. She is absolutely one of the latter — and we are forever grateful for everything she has given, everything she has done, and everything she continues to be for children.
Mrs. Fink is a light to whoever has the blessing of knowing her! She has supported our students who need additional support in their academics, in addition to their social-emotioal wellness. She has also has been an important leader of the performing arts department
at Mater Academy Davenport! Her love for the children is undeniable and she is truly an admirable human being. Thank you for everything you have done for us, Mrs. Fink; this award is so well-deserved!
You truly are the best. You're heart is made of gold. The children families and staff love you. You deserve this award.
Way to go Ms. Fink! Such an amazing nomination for a teacher so deserving!
I had the privilege of working with Alysia for years in Rochester, NY, and she has always been a truly compassionate and caring person. I’ve watched her face challenges and rise above them with grace. She embodies what it means to care for others, and she is so deserving of this nomination.
Mrs. Fink invests her time in helping out the students. I can see how these students look for her when they need someone to talk to or need help. Great Job, Mrs Fink!
Amazing teacher! Have the opportunity to work with her and see her in action with our kiddos. Her passion, patience, and dedication to their education is immensely evident! Well deserved nomination and award.
While I could write pages about how my family adores Ms Fink and how lucky we are to have had her on my kiddos educational journey- I’ll just say she’s an amazing human and deserves all the best things.
Think is genuinely just a sweet human being. I can see how she’s changed and impacted the life of students. Just her calm demeanor says a lot. I see her work with ESE students and it’s truly inspiring.
She is so wonderful! She works with ESE students daily and is truly incredible.
Mrs. Fink,
I want to take a moment to thank her for the incredible impact she’s had on our child. Her patience, encouragement, and passion for teaching have made such a meaningful difference in his educational journey.
Thank you for seeing his potential, supporting him through challenges, and celebrating his successes.
We are truly grateful for all the effort and heart you put into your classroom each day. It has made a lasting impression on our family, and we appreciate you more than words can express.
Your passion for teaching is evident, and it has made a huge impact on us here, at Mater Academy Davenport.
We thank you, for being you!
Mrs. Fink is the kind of educator every school dreams of having. I am incredibly proud to work alongside someone who pours so much love, energy, and intention into her students each and every day. She lights up her classroom with joy, calm, and kindness, and she creates a space where students feel safe, seen, and valued. Her patience is unmatched, her creativity shines in everything she does, and her passion for helping children grow is truly inspiring. Mrs. Fink lifts her students and her coworkers with her quiet strength and her huge heart. She is a steady, positive presence on our campus, someone you can always count on for support, encouragement, and a smile. Her impact reaches far beyond academics. She changes lives with her care, her consistency, and her belief in every child.
She is deeply deserving of this recognition, and we are all so lucky to have her in our Dragon family.
Mrs. Fink was the best teacher our daughter had, we had the privilege of having her two years, she helped her grow in every aspect. Our daughter confidence & reading skills have improved so much thanks to all the support Mrs. Fink gave us.
Mrs. Finks Is an amazing educator and a wonderful coworker. Your kindness toward everyone and the positive energy you bring each day truly make a difference. We appreciate you!
I have known Alysia for many years. She is excellent working with children of various ages. Alysia is gentle, patient, and encouraging.
A well deserved honor for an amazing woman.
