CCSD Celebrates Special Education Staff of the Year Award Winners

 

The Cherokee County School District is celebrating four of its outstanding Special Education team members!

Four members of CCSD’s Special Education department recently received top honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony.  They are: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Karen Reeves; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Dr. Megan Foster; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Susie Okerblad; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Ashanta Posey.

“We’re deeply grateful for all you do to support our students and their families,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “Every day, you serve our students with the greatest needs, and your peers have recognized that you do so with the greatest expertise and care.  You are making a positive difference in the lives of our students.  Congratulations and thank you!”  

Each winner received an engraved plaque and a $175 Visa gift card from Credit Union of Georgia, a CCSD Partner.  The School Board and Dr. Hightower will honor the winners at an upcoming School Board meeting. 

Ms. Reeves, who joined CCSD in 2010, serves as CCSD’s senior physical therapist, providing services to students with special needs at multiple schools and supporting her therapist colleagues.

“Karen always goes above and beyond year after year for the greater good of her students and coworkers,” a colleague shared.  “Although she has multiple schools, she always makes herself available to address any physical therapy concerns of her students.”

Dr. Foster, who started her tenure with CCSD in 2019, serves as the school psychologist for Arnold Mill ES and Mountain Road ES.

“Dr. Foster is conscientious, thorough and reflective in everything that she does,” a colleague shared.  “She is knowledgeable about resources and responds to parents' questions and concerns in a timely manner.  Her transparent communication and high level of expertise are greatly appreciated.”

Ms. Okerblad, who joined CCSD in 2003, serves as the Special Education facilitator for both Tippens Education Center and the ACTIVE Academies campus, which includes ACE Academy, Cherokee College & Career Academy, i-Grad Virtual Academy and Transition Academy.

“She is always positive and works hard to make sure kids get what they need,” a colleague shared.  “She works well collaboratively with others and will always offer support when needed.  Susie handles both ACTIVE and Tippens, two very unique CCSD schools, with professionalism, thoroughness, dignity and grace!”

Ms. Posey began her tenure with CCSD in 2013, most recently serving as the speech language pathologist for Clark Creek ES STEM Academy.

“She is quick to respond and provides thoughtful perspectives when supporting her peer team, while still honoring their professional judgment,” a colleague shared.  “She is always patient when answering questions and seeking further information when she does not have the answers.”
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