We are proud to announce our We83™ Appreciate You - Empathy Employee of the Year: Natalie Torosian, Math Teacher at Mannheim Middle School.
As part of our Strategic Plan’s Staff Portrait, Empathy represents understanding and acknowledging the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering a supportive and compassionate work environment. Natalie demonstrates this daily through her deep care for students and commitment to creating a classroom where everyone feels valued and supported.
In her multiple nominations, colleagues describe Natalie as someone who consistently goes above and beyond to understand her students as individuals - taking time to learn about their backgrounds, emotions, and needs. She is known for creating a safe and welcoming environment where students feel heard, respected, and encouraged to be their best selves. Her ability to respond with understanding and patience, even during challenging moments, reflects her genuine empathy and unwavering dedication to her students’ well-being.
Natalie, thank you for modeling empathy in everything you do. Your compassion and care have a lasting impact on our students and our entire school community.
Congratulations, Natalie!
In addition, we also want to recognize a number of additional staff members who lead the district with Empathy:
June Becker - Teacher - Special Education @Westdale
Victoria Bernero - Teacher - English Language Arts (ELA) @MMS
Abby Daniels - Teacher - Special Education @Enger
Carrie Fisher - Teacher - Grade 1 @Westdale
Maureen Hergott - Teacher - Art @Westdale
Amber Lechman - Teacher - Instructional Coach @MECC
Lorena Leon - Library Clerk @Scott
Hugo Martinez - Custodian @Scott
Jim Meske - Teacher - Music - Vocal @Westdale
Michelle Miletello - Teacher - Social Worker @Scott
Laura Moore - Assistant Principal @MMS
Milenka Ortiz - Classroom Aide -Sp. Ed. @Enger
Bill Palter - Teacher - Physical Education @Roy
Dana Panek - Teacher - Special Education @Enger
Molly Paquette - Teacher - Speech & Lang. Path. @Scott
Jamie Reinke - Teacher - Literacy Staff Developer - LSD @MMS
Brenda Rodriguez - Director of Transportation & S @Admin Center
Marcy Rossi - Teacher - Instructional Coach @Enger
Liliana Sevilla - Classroom Aide - Gen Ed @MECC
John Sopron - Teacher - Grade 4 @Roy
Pamela Vazquez - Classroom Aide - 1 on 1 @Roy
Teuta Verria - Classroom Aide -Sp. Ed. @Enger
Emeline Vilchis - Classroom Aide -Sp. Ed. @MECC
Jojo Witherspoon - Teacher - Special Education @Scott
Alejandra Zurita - Teacher - ESL @Scott
Please celebrate Natalie and all of our nominees, for contributing to what makes D83 a special place for staff and students.