2024-25 JB Teacher & Staff of the Year Awards

Tuesday, June 03, 2025

As another remarkable school year comes to a close at Julie Billiart Schools, we want to recognize our invaluable teachers and staff who are the difference makers in the lives of our students. They work collaboratively and tirelessly to educate and empower our incredible kids and provide support to our families and community.

At the conclusion of each year we ask our families to provide nominations for those teachers and staff that exemplify Julie Billiart Schools core values: collaboration, commitment, compassion and courage.

Congratulations to our 2024-25 recipients and we are grateful to have them as a part of our community and for their commitment to the JB Way.

Akron
Leslie Williams - Second Grade
“She has not only made a difference in our child’s present but has altered the trajectory of the future by going above and beyond the expectations of her role. Ms. Williams is an exceptional educator and her actions have had a profound impact on our family.”

Erika Elliott - Speech Language Pathologist
“Mrs. Elliott has found ways to get my child regulated and feeling safe and loved so she can focus. She’s provided a feeling of safety and security all year while giving all the love needed during the day while away from home”

Brecksville
Samantha Orlosky - Fourth Grade
“Ms. Orlosky’s friendliness demonstrates compassion, empathy and understanding and shows keen interest in collaborating with my child both as an equal and as a leader. She has contributed to him feeling safe at school and has worked with him to get him through every day.”

Holly Queen - Art Therapist/School Counselor
“Through Coffee with the Counselor, parents were able to get to know her, and I admired how much she genuinely seemed to care about each child and knew each of them so well. My child knows he has someone there who cares so much and values him for who he is”

Lyndhurst
David Majernik - Seventh Grade
“I was so impressed by his ability and willingness to navigate this year with grace. Mr. Majernik brought a huge amount of calm to a classroom and provided critical consistency and kindness.”

Cathy Parrino - Occupational Therapist
“Ms. Parrino has worked with us all year - she’s been receptive to our concerns and worked directly with our child on her greatest needs and even provided tools and tips for us to use at home. She’s helped our child build confidence resulting in making new friends

Westlake
Lauren Nolan - Second Grade
“Ms. Nolan has an unwavering dedication to student growth. Her deep investment in structured literacy and the science of reading demonstrates a proactive and research-based approach to teaching. She not only prioritizes foundational reading skills, but ensures that every student receives the tools they need to become confident, independent readers.”

Amy Stachnik - Literacy Specialist
“Following my child’s diagnosis, I felt lost with what needed to be our next steps. Mrs. Stachnik has worked with my son directly for years and we have seen tremendous progress in his ready ability and test scores. She is changing lives forever.”

Congratulations to all our staff and teachers!

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