Everyday Heroes: Kristen Steinberg, Emily Hartin, Brianna Gubernat-Volinz, and Alisha Markle

Everyday Heroes April 26

We are honoured to present this week’s Everyday Heroes for the 2023/24 school year.

Our everyday heroes are the epitome of compassion, devotion and care, transforming everyday tasks into extraordinary impacts.

Their subtle yet powerful actions not only elevate the experiences of colleagues but also enrich the lives of the students we proudly serve. They are more than just supportive adults or empathetic peers; they are the vibrant pulse of our educational community, profoundly touching the lives of all they encounter.

Our everyday heroes come in all forms, quietly making a difference in our schools and board offices, yet very often they overlook or downplay their own actions.

This week we are celebrating Kristen Steinberg, Emily Hartin, Brianna Gubernat-Volinz, and Alisha Markle.

Kristen Steinberg

Kristen Steinberg Kristen is a Teacher at St. Alphonsus CES. Kristen was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“There is no doubt about it- Kristen Steinberg’s students know she cares about them! She demonstrates compassion for her students- who often identify her as an adult in the building that they trust and know they can count on. Parents also often echo this sentiment and have reported that they “feel so lucky” to have Mrs. Steinberg as their child’s teacher. Kristen is always eager to try new strategies in her classroom in order to support students who have multiple challenges. The relationships that she fosters with her students is undoubtedly a positive contribution to PVNC’s efforts towards prioritizing student well-being and achievement.

Emily Hartin

Emily Hartin
Emily is an EA at St. John Paul II CES. Emily was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“Emily is such a great Educational Assistant. She’s always willing to help all the students and staff. She’s an amazing co-worker, and leader to all the students at St John Paul II. We’re very grateful for everything she does for us on a daily basis. Even after a long busy or hard day, she still has a smile on her face, and is willing to help everyone out. She’s a true PVNC everyday HERO.”

Brianna Gubernat-Volinz

Brianna Gubernat-Volinz Brianna is an EA at St. Anne CES. Brianna was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“I am nominating Brianna for the “Everyday Hero Award” because she embodies the spirit of a compassionate and selfless educator who does her utmost to holistically develop the capacity of each student she works with. She helps to foster their physical, mental, academic, athletic, social, and spiritual capacities as young people. She demonstrates an unwavering commitment to student success and well being, and exemplifies this attitude in her everyday work. Brianna contributes to her school community by co-creating an environment of trust, care, and respect with each teacher she works with, whether it is in the classroom, gymnasium, or school yard. Brianna is undoubtedly a friend to all, greeting everyone with an inclusive and warm smile. It is not uncommon to see “Ms. V” surrounded by kids of all grades during lunchtime supervision, or contributing to their games in the school yard. Brianna is an EA who knows how to bring joy and enthusiasm to the student experience, no matter what student she is working with or classroom she is in. Brianna contributes to the success of all her students by supporting them in an equitable and inclusive way. In her role as an educational assistant and autism support worker, Brianna provides learning support to students with both physical and mental exceptionalities to ensure these students feel included and empowered in their learning. She works one on one with students who have ASD, ADHD, ODD, and have limited physical mobility (e.g. students in walkers and wheelchairs) and does her best to ensure their inclusion in classroom learning whenever possible. All while ensuring they are working towards the learning goals outlined in their IEP. In summary, Brianna is an amazing educator who empowers all students around her to be the best version of themselves possible.”

Alisha Markle

Alisha Markle
Alisha is an EA at Holy Family CES. Alisha was nominated by a colleague, who said:

“I am excited to nominate Alisha Markle for the Everyday Hero Award at our school. Alisha represents the qualities of dedication, compassion, and excellence in her role as an Educational Assistant. Her commitment to our students and her exceptional work ethic make her a deserving candidate for this recognition. Alisha’s outstanding qualities are evident in every aspect of her work. She approaches her responsibilities with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Alisha’s ability to connect with students on a personal level creates a supportive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and understood. One of Alisha’s remarkable attributes is her flexibility. She adapts to the changing needs of our students and staff, always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that everyone receives the support they require. Whether assisting in the classroom or providing one-on-one support for our students, Alisha consistently demonstrates her versatility and resourcefulness.”

 

We would like to thank Kristen, Emily, Brianna, and Alisha for their commitment to creating a culture of faith, hope and love to ensure equity and well-being at our board.