For Staff Appreciation Week, we're highlighting some of our awesome staff in Ferndale School District!

SARA DESSERT (MTSS Coordinator, elementary schools, 4 years)

• Caitlin Jacoby (Counselor, Custer Elementary): "Sara is a radiant burst of joy and a heart-powered superhuman who sprinkles positivity, laughter, and goodness wherever she goes. We are so lucky to have her in the Ferndale School District!"
• Nina Ballew (Early Learning Specialist): "Sara approaches her work with such passion and enthusiasm. Above all, she is an incredible human with a giving, generous heart. Having Sara on staff is such a HUGE win for the Ferndale team as a whole."
• Suzanne Lange (Multilingual Teacher, Central/Skyline): "Sara finds solutions before we even know there's a problem. She has these amazing technical skills ... but she's also probably the nicest person I've ever met! She just sees the positive in everything and everyone."

SUE MITTELSTAEDT (Bus Driver, 14 years)

• Rick Barry (Dispatcher): "Sue is very professional, she knows her families and knows her students. She shows up and puts the effort in. I wish we had a cloning machine so I could clone her ... she's that good!"
• Gina Hall (Bus Driver): "Sue is a guiding force; she is steady. If you have a question, you can ask Sue and she'll kindly give you the appropriate answer."
• Lewann Eggert (Director of Transportation): "Sue's compassion, patience, and kindness make a meaningful difference every day. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication help create a safe, welcoming journey for every student she serves. She is an invaluable team member."

ZAC OLIVER (P.E./Health Teacher, Vista, 8 years)

• Andrew Walker (P.E./Health Teacher): "What makes Zac an awesome P.E. teacher and teacher in general is that he loves and cares about the kids so deeply. He spends his own prep outside with the kids, building relationships. I strive to be as good of a P.E. teacher as him one day!"
• Alee Alvarado (sixth grader): "I like that Mr. Oliver is kind and honest. He lets us go outside, and he's just the best."
• Kelly King (Math/P.E. Teacher): "Zac is an awesome team player. He'll help you, and you don't even have to ask. He uplifts everyone around him."

KELSEY OTTUM (Counselor, FHS/Skyline/Ferndale Virtual Academy, 8 years)

• Lisa Acevedo (Ferndale Virtual Academy/Open Doors teacher): "Kelsey really meets students where they're at to help them reach their mental health and academic goals. Whatever their barriers are, she's able to problem solve and find ways to help support them."
• Megan Squires (Counselor, Skyline): "Kelsey brings a wonderful, fun dynamic energy to every situation. She's playful and brings joy, but she can also be really supportive for people when they're having a rough time."
• Ozzy Stroud (10th grader): "I can talk to Kelsey about basically anything. If I'm having a bad day, she can talk to me and it just makes me 10 times better. It helps a lot to have someone there who I can always talk to and is completely supportive."