LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Mandy Breza was nominated by her principal, Clark Olstad.

Mrs. Breza is a fantastic paraprofessional who is passionate about the education profession.  She shows up to school every day with a smile on her face and ready to work.  She constantly helps the special education teachers work with many students.

Another area where Mrs. Breza truly exceeds is her ability to always do another task that will help her colleagues and students succeed at school and enjoy another day.  Mrs. Breza is always willing to help someone in need or volunteer to do extra duties.  

Mrs. Breza is also an outstanding family member. She is married and has two children.

"There is no greater compliment I can give Mandy than to say she's an outstanding parent," said Olstad. "It is very obvious when I have been around her entire family the type of amazing mother and wife that Mandy is.  Mandy clearly understands that family is the most important aspect of life, and she devotes her efforts and makes sacrifices for her family.  This same type of approach is what she demonstrates at work on a daily basis with her 'Work Family.'  I have never heard anyone make a negative comment about Mandy. Instead, her colleagues always comment about how she is an extremely kind person."  

"There's a quote from Henry James that reminds me of Mandy. 'Three things in human life are important.  The first is to be kind.  The second is to be kind.  And the third is to be kind,'" said Olstad. "This quote is exactly what Mandy represents every day at school.  I have never met a more caring and kind individual.  She has a heart of gold!  If everyone in this world was as kind and compassionate as Mandy, it would be a perfect world.  It is a privilege to work with her. Don’t ever think that a paraprofessional’s efforts are insignificant or do not make a difference.  It is hard to measure the positive influence a paraprofessional has on someone’s life, especially a student. However, that is exactly what Mandy does day after day and year after year by positively changing the lives of her students and families."

“She is, and will continue to be, a LifeChanger to many students and families at Plainview-Elgin-Millville Community Schools,” Olstad said.

Comments (4)