Allison Welch
Administrative Assistant for Professional Learning/Leadership & Operations

Allison Welch was nominated by her supervisor, Chief Strategy Officer Ivan Cantu. With 17 years of service across various roles, Allison's dedication shines through her coordination of professional learning events and support of leadership development programs. Allison’s greatest strength is her ability to connect. She builds strong relationships across the district through outstanding communication and a collaborative spirit, ensuring every voice is heard and valued. Her ability to build strong relationships across departments while maintaining operational excellence makes her an invaluable asset to our district. 

As one district department has shared, Allison is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her friendly, kind, and positive attitude make her an absolute joy to work with and any time our team is at the Sockwell Center, we always look forward to her kind welcome. Allison truly embodies our district’s values by consistently demonstrating dedication to caring and a commitment to excellence in all that she does.

Lashonda "Shonda" Carter
Head Start Teaching Assistant

Lashonda Carter was nominated by her principal Dara Villalpando. Ms. Carter exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, enthusiastic, and passionate staff member who consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on all of those around her. Shonda possesses a positive attitude that is contagious and a cornerstone of her presence in the classroom, along with her ability to greet everyone with genuine warmth and joy. Her enthusiasm is a testament to the nurturing and supportive environment she helps cultivate at Plano Head Start. 

Shonda's commitment to professional growth is exemplified by her completion of her Child Development Associate credential, requiring 120 hours of formal training. Her genuine warmth and dedication to mentoring other paraprofessionals creates an uplifting atmosphere that benefits both students and colleagues. Whether it's offering advice on how to effectively engage with students or helping a new team member navigate classroom routines, Mrs. Carter is always there to lend a helping hand. She is a tremendous part of our climate and culture at Head Start.

Nastacia Kelly
Title I Instructional Coach at Carpenter Middle School

Nastacia Kelly was nominated by her campus administrative team of principal Laura Childress and assistant principals Ashley Washington and Bethany Jacobson. They describe her as the type of leader that administrators dream of and credit her tremendous ability to connect with students and staff alike to foster a rich environment of collaboration and growth while building meaningful relationships throughout the Carpenter community.

Nastacia's exceptional leadership in Professional Learning Communities and innovative problem-solving approaches have fostered teamwork and community while strengthening morale and cohesion among her team. Nastacia consistently demonstrates empathy, respect, and trustworthiness, which has greatly elevated the campus professional learning community and helped to create a space where teachers feel valued and supported.Her out-of-the-box thinking and solution-focused mindset provide a great model for her peers and is a true asset to the campus.

Monica Barton
Campus Secretary at Armstrong Middle School

Monica Barton, nominated by Assistant Principal Tahsina Yusuf, is Campus Secretary at Armstrong Middle School. Monica has transformed her role into the backbone of the campus in just two years. As the first point of contact for the Armstrong community, Monica creates a warm, welcoming environment that puts students, parents and visitors at ease. She serves on the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team, champions attendance initiatives, and approaches school communications with creativity and enthusiasm.

Known affectionately as "The Voice" for her PA announcements, Monica brings fun and personality to everything she does. She has served as Armstrong's School PR Liaison, emceed pep rallies, and even performed as "The Moon" in the school's production of The Addams Family. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate spirit exemplify the values and vision of Plano ISD.

Roxy Maya Huitron
Community Translator in Multilingual Services

Roxana "Roxy" Maya Huitron, nominated by Executive Director for Multilingual Services Talle Gomez, serves as the Community Translator in Multilingual Services, where she plays a vital role in breaking down language barriers across Plano ISD. Her dedication to improving communication between Spanish-speaking families and district staff has made a significant impact on family engagement throughout the district.

Roxy's consistent willingness to assist both staff and families demonstrates her commitment to fostering an inclusive school environment. She works extended hours to ensure that Spanish-speaking families have full access to district communications and can actively participate in their children's education. Known for maintaining a positive attitude while managing a demanding workload, Roxy approaches each translation and interpretation task with enthusiasm and precision. Her work enables clear communication during parent conferences, district events and daily school operations. Through her dedication to bridging linguistic gaps, Roxy helps create a more connected and accessible educational community for all Plano ISD families.

Sarah Tanco
MTSS Coordinator at Aldridge Elementary School

Nominated by Principal Antreshawn Buhl, Sarah Tanco serves as MTSS Coordinator at Aldridge Elementary School, where she has built upon her legacy as a former Teacher of the Year. In her multiple roles as new teacher mentor, instructional specialist and MTSS coordinator, she creates a comprehensive support system that enhances both student achievement and teacher development.

Sarah's leadership style focuses on empowering learners while facilitating positive change throughout the campus. She dedicates time to nurturing new educators and implementing effective instructional strategies. Her creative approaches to supporting the school community and commitment to fostering a growth mindset exemplify the values that make Plano ISD proud. Through her various roles, she consistently demonstrates educational excellence while contributing to the well-being of students, staff and the broader school community. 

Marika Bird
Secretary, Gulledge Elementary School

Marika Bird was nominated by Principal Deni Bleggi. Marika is recognized for creating a caring and welcoming office culture where families feel valued. Her ability to connect with students, staff and families through professionalism and genuine empathy has created an environment of trust and belonging at Gulledge. Marika is credited for consistently handling enrollment processes with a smile and with grace. Her commitment to personal growth and to encouraging a culture of excellence makes her an exceptional team member who truly embodies the Plano ISD vision.

Katy Matthews
Teacher at Hughston Elementary School

Katy Matthews was nominated by Principal Jennifer Caplinger. Katy is recognized for her exceptional commitment to her students and colleagues, going above and beyond in her role. She creates individualized learning plans that foster academic growth and personal development while cultivating a classroom environment where every child feels supported and capable. As a team leader, Katy’s dedication extends to mentoring fellow teachers, building unity and problem-solving to meet unique needs. Her positive influence reaches beyond the classroom through her advocacy for the special education community and her involvement in the Sunshine Committee, bringing joy to the halls of Hughston Elementary.

Amanda Lemons
Administrative Assistant, Safety and Security



Amanda Lemons was nominated by Chief of Safety and Security Operations Kevin Keating. Amanda’s exceptional work ethic is credited for significantly improving her department’s operations. She made significant contributions to the implementation of the Plano ISD School Marshal Program and coordinated the extensive training required by the District’s School Marshals. Amanda’s ability to manage complex projects and her dedication to enhancing District safety make her a valuable member of our team.

Hannah Marfisi
C.A.R.E. Assistant at Head Start

Hannah Marfisi was nominated by Head Start Director Dara Villalpando. Hannah plays a vital role in supporting the emotional well-being of students by working closely with the counseling team; building strong, trusting relationships; and monitoring the needs of each child. Her creative approach to fostering a welcoming and positive school environment has had a significant impact on her campus. She is known for creating a strong sense of community and a supportive environment where students feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

Blanca Solares
Title I Teacher at Mendenhall Elementary School

Blanca Solares was nominated by Principal Jana Prince. Blanca serves as a mentor for new teachers and an advocate for 504 students. Her leadership in data-driven instruction and her guidance during Professional Learning Communities is credited for elevating the quality of teaching and learning at her campus. She consistently supports both students and staff, exemplifying the spirit of continuous improvement that we value in Plano ISD.

Thomas Williams
Campus Technology Assistant at Bowman Middle School

Thomas Williams, has made a significant impact through his role in enhancing the school's technological landscape. Nominated by Principal Dr. Kimberly Schrader, Thomas combines his background as a former military serviceman with a commitment to empowering both students and staff. His innovative problem-solving skills and patient guidance have transformed how technology is integrated into the learning environment, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.

Known for his ability to connect with all stakeholders, Thomas creates meaningful relationships that enhance collaboration among teachers and staff. His dedication to providing ongoing support ensures that everyone can confidently navigate the digital world. Through his leadership, Thomas not only improves technology use at Bowman but also inspires others to embrace new possibilities in education.

Connie McClure
Fourth Grade Teacher and Team Leader at Wells Elementary School

Connie McClure, nominated by Principal Sara Meyer, is a dedicated fourth-grade teacher and team leader at Wells Elementary School. With a reputation for high-quality instructional strategies, Connie fosters an engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. Her commitment to building strong relationships with her students, parents, and colleagues allows her to tailor her teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs effectively.

As a team leader, Connie inspires her colleagues through collaboration and shared goals. She models best practices in differentiation and continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance student learning. Connie's passion for education and her belief that all children can succeed make her an invaluable asset to the Wells community. Her positive impact resonates throughout her school. 

Janet Johnson
Administrative Assistant in Instructional Technology

Jan Johnson, nominated by Instructional Technology Executive Director Matt Frey, has been a vital asset to Plano ISD as an Administrative Assistant in Instructional Technology. Her exceptional communication skills and collaborative spirit have made her a key player in supporting various departments, particularly during recent changes. Jan connects with stakeholders and facilitates smooth operations, reflecting her commitment to the greater organization.

In addition to her regular responsibilities, Jan stepped in to provide crucial support during a significant transition period, demonstrating her dedication to the team. Her efforts ensure that everyone has the resources they need, fostering a positive work environment. Jan's contributions enhance operational efficiency and inspire those around her. 

Cristi Forman
Behavior Instructional Specialist in Special Education

Cristi Forman, nominated by Special Education Coordinator Jackie Mullins, has dedicated 18 years to serving the Plano ISD community, beginning as a Speech and Language Pathologist and now as a Behavior Instructional Specialist. Known for her mission-driven approach, Cristi passionately advocates for students, staff, and families, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to find and use their voice.

Her engaging sessions are filled with humor and practical strategies that empower educators to address students' social, behavioral, and communication needs effectively. Cristi has played a pivotal role in developing district-wide behavior management strategies that positively influence countless students. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional achievements—she has instilled a love for education in her daughters, both of whom are Plano ISD graduates and current Special Education teachers in the district.