Honoring Excellence in Special Education

On May 20, the KRESA Board of Education recognized recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Special Education Awards, an annual celebration honoring those who go above and beyond in supporting their students. Each year, the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) invites nominations from families and students to honor the incredible work of these special educators. 

This year, four outstanding educators from KRESA were selected as award recipients:

Delaney Wilkins WoodsEdge Learning Center

Krystina D'Arcy KRESA Specialized Instructional Supports - Amberly Elementary, Portage Public Schools

Karen Raffenaud WoodsEdge Learning Center

Rhonda Sturgeon Valley Center School

A total of 18 KRESA staff members were nominated for this award this year. We celebrate all nominees for their contributions to creating inclusive and enriching learning environments:

KRESA Specialized Instructional Supports

• Mark Boothby
• Elise Pickard

Valley Center School

• Shelby Bishop
• Terasa Reurink

WoodsEdge Learning Center 

• Chae Dorer
• Sydney Koob
• Sherry Lloyd
• Megan Lozen
• Dianne Scoffin
• Kayla Sword
• Britnee Watson
• Trista White-Welch
• Jessica Woodard
• Tesla Wright

About the Excellence in Special Education Awards

Established under the Michigan Mandatory Special Education Act, the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) ensures meaningful parent and guardian input into the countywide plan for special education programs and services. Open to representatives from all nine local districts in Kalamazoo County, PAC actively advocates for students with disabilities and their families.

Each year, PAC sponsors the Excellence in Special Education Award to recognize individuals who make a profound impact in the lives of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  Nominations are submitted by parents, guardians, and students, then carefully reviewed by PAC members who vote to determine award recipients across the region.

Learn more about KRESA Special Education.