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2023 Difference Makers Recognized

Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 leaders, staff and their families were pleased to gather on May 19 to honor some of the District’s outstanding employees and a volunteer at the annual Difference Makers event.

The selected staff members, who were nominated by their peers, were treated to a cookout served by Superintendent Mike Moan and top administrators. This year’s designees include teachers, custodians, support staff, social workers, associates and a parent volunteer, among others.

The criteria for selection are employees who represent exceptional qualities and make a difference in the lives of students and staff by contributing to the excellence that is District 200 in their buildings or throughout the District.

“What’s great about this recognition is that it comes from their peers who are noticing the impact these individuals have on our schools. They are modeling the behaviors and attitudes that enrich both our staff and our students,” Moan said.

The following is a list of this year’s Difference Makers:

Verda Dierzen Early Learning Center

Cristina Mazzanti, parent educator
Janet Moritz, kindergarten teacher

Dean Elementary School

Marcos Gomez, kindergarten dual language teacher
Sarah Llamas, head custodian

Greenwood Elementary School

Stacy Wall, PTO President
Mary Clark, Target Life Skills associate
Maddie Ferguson, 5th grade teacher

Mary Endres Elementary School

Sandy Pihut, associate
Jennifer Waldack, fifth grade dual language teacher

Olson Elementary School

Maggie Jensen, STEM teacher
Darcy Kniola, interventionist associate

Prairiewood Elementary School

Nadia Budoff, 1:1 classroom associate
Lisa Chaney, learning behavior specialist

Westwood Elementary School

Paula Cross, lunch recess supervisor
Maelyn Thornton, reading interventionist

Clay Academy

Jen Adams, social worker
Jennifer Hansen, classroom associate

Creekside Middle School

Heidi Nieman, counselor
Lynn Ryan, Life Skills nurse

Northwood Middle School

Betsy Iverson, 6th grade social studies teacher
Christine Maldonado, principal’s secretary

Woodstock High School

Connie Happ, school nurse
Morayma Zerla, secretary

Woodstock North High School

Jillian Barry, science teacher
Vicki Deutsch, guidance secretary

District Staff

Lynette Sawyer, technology specialist