Employee of the Month September: Considers the needs of the entire child

It is with pleasure that we honor Mary Kate Legaspi, Early Intervention Teacher in the FRIENDS program, as the September 2022 Employee of the Month.

Mary Kate has been a teacher for the FRIENDS program in Student Services for eight years. She is admired by her colleagues for her professionalism, dedication and knowledge of instructional strategies for children from birth to age three who are at risk or who show significant developmental delays. Our youngest learners love and respect Mary Kate because she is kind, loving and fun. She can identify and use her student’s unique strengths to encourage and expand on their learning.

Mary Kate considers the needs of the entire child and adjusts objectives and goals accordingly, treating each child as unique and capable of learning. With Mary Kate’s guidance, families learn the new world of Special Education. She provides support to encourage and allow parents to become advocates for their children.

Mary Kate is also a valuable resource to her colleagues. She consistently reaches out and collaborates with all disciplines to meet the unique needs of all her students. Her organization and knowledge make her the “go-to” person for questions about forms and procedures. Mary Kate is the teacher friend to call after a challenging day and always has the time to listen and laugh with you.

“I am very humbled to be receiving this award,” said Mary Kate. “My purpose and intention in my work is to walk alongside families and their children, to help them navigate an often scary and unknown future. It is to share in the joys, little steps forward and a few back, and to love and accept their babies when the unexpected has happened. Truly the honor is mine to be accepted into their home, and have their trust placed in me. I’m honored to be a part of the FRIENDS Infant Team, as well as a part of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools staff.”