9th Annual FCOE Support Staff Conference offers professional development, networking

The Fresno County Office of Education’s 9th Annual Support Staff Conference was held on Friday, May 2 at the Golden Palace Event Center. Guests enjoyed a wonderful day of professional development, networking with other administrative professionals from within the organization, school districts and colleagues from various County Office of Education partners. This year’s theme was “Making a Difference!”

Shari Fitzpatrick of the famous Shari’s Berries was the keynote speaker. She spoke of starting her own business, her loss and the sweet success of starting over. Fitzpatrick ignited inspiration as she spoke of turning the tragedy she experienced in her business into triumph. She also provided her famous “Berried in Chocolate” chocolate-dipped strawberries to each attendee. Other breakout session speakers at the conference included Lisa Birrell, Amy Brogan, Brenda McElroy and Dr. Klaus Tenbergen. The conference was coordinated by Teresa Martinez-Trevino, FCOE Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.

The 2014 Administrative Professional of the year was awarded to Melissa Nowell, Administrative Assistant I in Court Schools. Other nominees included Dora Olmos, Program Secretary in Pupil Personnel Services and Keri Sheaffer, Administrative Assistant for the California PASS Program.