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Pflugerville Independent School District

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Employee of the Month

Outstanding PfISD employees/substitutes are recognized at the District level, both as a reward for exceptional performance and as a model to other employees. Based upon nominations from other PfISD staff, PfISD will name a Professional Support and a Substitute Employee of the Month (EOM) each month. Any PfISD employee/substitute can nominate another employee as EOM.

Once the Employees of the Month are determined, they will be recognized by the Board of Trustees and on the PfISD website. For each month's EOM, nominations will be accepted through the 15th of the prior month.

Submit an Employee of the Month Nomination

Nomination Form

May 2025

Professional Employee of the Month

Theresa Grillo, Librarian, MES

"While many Librarians are only on the Specials Team at their schools, Ms. Grillo is on every TEAM! Daily morning announcements (which include members of her student announcements club who recite the Pledge and other items daily. Announcements are pre-recorded and sent out to all staff organized the production of Seussical this spring with the assistance of others who joined the team that put in many hours of time to reach their goal.
 

Leads many book fairs and other school wide, participates in all the events at our school, and is a vital staff member at MES. "She has the BEST SMILE EVERY SINGLE DAY! She is the most positive person on our staff! Always ready to jump in and help in any way, cheerfully and happily! She cares for every single person on this campus and works hard behind the scenes for the success for all. She shares her knowledge and love of literature with everyone and is so enthusiastic and engaging!      

Ms. Grillo has sponsored many Author events since her tenure here at MES! All have been well received and exciting, including famous children's authors, local authors and new favorites. This is a tremendous amount of work for one person, in addition to all of her regular responsibilities.

Ms. Grillo cheerfully assists STAAR testing, school wide testing, Hispanic Celebration Month with readings to share with the school, Women's History Month selections with readings, Black History Month literature and special non-fiction readings introducing people we should know,                "Ms. Grillo has life- sized tree replica in the library for Poetry Month (April), which is her ""Po-e-tree""! Students write original poems and they are suspended from the branches of the tress to encourage student writing & sharing.

She allows our students to check out books until the last possible minute prior to all school breaks, long weekends, holidays, STAAR, and End of Year. She runs a special program for PARENTS to borrow books before school at drop off time and at dismissal time all year round and does a special program before every long break, where parents can peruse the library, borrow books and can return them on a special cart located at an easily accessible spot at drop off and dismissal for parent convenience. She inspires ALL of us to READ!

"Pflugerville ISD is incredibly fortunate to have Kelly as part of its team. Overall, she is amazing and Pflugerville ISD is very grateful for her dedication to the families, the staff and this district.  

 

May 2025

Support Employee of the Month

Kara Grindstaff, Administrative Assistant, WLES   

As part of our front office team, Kara is instrumental in helping the campus run smoothly. With the new system for security, she is also the welcoming face to greet and help all who enter. She Works seamlessly with the other front office staff in helping answer phones, check in with students who need extra love, and cover classrooms whenever needed for emergencies.

Kara responds to everything with a positive. She deals with frustrated upset parents/adults as well as emotionally unregulated students in the same calm, even manner. She greets people with a smile and is exceptional at customer service. Even in the most hectic/challenging moments, she will say, "it's ok"  

Ms. Grindstaff listens to everything and has learned everything she can about all aspects of the campus. She anticipates needs and often does tasks not assigned to her without her being asked to help. She is our late afternoon person and has adjusted last minute when needed on the occasionally late pickup student to help them be safe and monitored. She also adjusts to come in early as needed due to other events. She constantly goes above and beyond - if someone generically asks for help in the office, she is quick to offer her assistance - she often walks outside to pick students up when they are being signed out early. Kara has also developed relationships with many students who need extra support and gives out hugs, plays with them, and even at times helps them settle and nap (PK).    

Just an extremely positive and great person on campus. She is super intelligent, compassionate, and emphatic.

Overall, she is outstanding. She has built a great relationship with our staff and Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, our staff and this district. 

 

May 2025

Guest Educator of the Month

Adam Montgomery, Long Term GE, MES

Mr. Montgomery came to us as a long-term sub to help support our team and our students as our numbers were increasing. He is always the first to ask how he can help and if there is anything he can do for us or our students. He is always flexible with our ever-changing schedule, never complains, is punctual, and is quick to adapt. When he is not sure of something, he is quick to ask questions or seek advice so that our kiddos have the best support possible.   

Mr. Montgomery radiates light. He always has a positive attitude and greets the students with a smile. Even when the days get long and hard, he still offers encouraging words to both staff and students alike. I have seen many students, some having a good day and others a not so good day, smile when greeted by him. Our kids are often excited to see him and that is because of the positivity he shows across our campus.            

 Mr. Montgomery has made great connections with the students, building relationships, trust, and rapport. He approaches them with kindness, understanding, and compassion. Our kids are happy to see him in the morning and wave goodbye to him as they leave. He knows not only the names of our students but of the other kids in the classes and grade levels he helps support. Mr. Montgomery has been faithfully subbing nearly every day this year, providing our kids with the consistency they need.       
It can be hard having guest educators come in and support our kids, especially with their varying needs. Mr. Montgomery has been such a natural fit to our team and it has been a huge relief of stress to know that our kids are taken care of and getting the support they need when they are with him.

Overall, we are very fortunate to have him in our district and furthermore as part of our Guest Educator Team. Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for his dedication to our students, staff, and this district. 

 

April 2025

Professional Employee of the Month

Kelly Eason, Resource and Inclusion, MES

 

Kelly has been working with Special Education for over 5 years. Currently, she is serving as the team lead. She constantly does daily check ins with the Special Education staff. We are receiving new students weekly and she is in tune with our caseloads, our schedules and all the extra support that is needed to serve our students. She plugs in where ever she needs to help.   
Kelly keeps the most positive attitude, even with all the things happening. She is always looking for ways to assist the team and our kids. She looks for new ways to try and reach all our students and does it with efficiency and great care for all.      
"Kelly works hard to ensure that the Special Education feels supported and heard. She is always filling in for duties or where ever there is a need. "

Kelly stays low key and just goes above and beyond for the Special Education team and our students. She never says no to any request that may be asked and she puts her co-workers and students first! She listens to all of us and will try to work out solutions when she can to help relieve the stress of our jobs. She cares about us and our students at all levels. I personally feel her sincere help and concern.

Pflugerville ISD is incredibly fortunate to have Kelly as part of its team. Overall, she is amazing and Pflugerville ISD is very grateful for her dedication to the families, the staff and this district.  

 

April 2025

Support Employee of the Month

Rebecca Doty, P.E. Education Associate, RLES   

Rebecca Doty is the true definition of a team player. She will fill in anywhere there may be a hole and do it with a smile. She is the first to ask if she can help. She is here before anyone so she can set up the gym she is the last to leave on event days to help break down the event.     
Rebecca Doty always sees the glass as half full versus half empty. There will always be a sunshine on a rainy day with her around. She is one of my favorite people to be around because she radiates such positive energy and it is truly contagious!       Rebecca or Coach D. as the kids know her, always goes above and beyond for students and staff. She wears multiple hats around our campus and I truly don't think she understands how incredible she is. She can be a Coach, fill in as the Nurse and crossing guard all on the same day and you will never hear her complain about it. She's absolutely an amazing human being. We are truly blessed to have her at Rowe Lane.   

She's just the best! We love Coach D so much and we need PFISD to know that she is amazing!
Overall, she is outstanding. She has built a great relationship with our staff and Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, our staff and this district. 

 

April 2025

Guest Educator of the Month

Deetra Wall, Long Term GE, HLES

I am pleased to nominate Deetra Wall for her outstanding teamwork as a long-term substitute. She seamlessly integrated into our team, collaborating with colleagues, sharing resources, and adapting lessons to support student success. Her flexibility, and dedication made them an invaluable member of our team.   

Deetra consistently brings a positive attitude to the classroom, creating an encouraging and uplifting environment for both students and staff. Her optimism and enthusiasm are contagious, helping to motivate and inspire everyone around her. She handles challenges with grace and always finds ways to keep morale high, making her a joy to work with.     

Deetra stepped in as a long-term substitute after the school year had already started, quickly establishing a strong connection with her students. She went above and beyond by adapting to the classroom dynamic, building relationships with each student, and ensuring a smooth transition. Her dedication to creating a positive learning environment is evident, and her students truly love and respect her for the care and effort she puts into their education.         Substitutes often don't receive the recognition they truly deserve, especially when stepping into a role mid-year. Deetra has gone above and beyond, not only fulfilling her duties but also making a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. Her dedication and hard work deserve to be acknowledged, as she has shown exceptional commitment and care despite the challenges
of being a substitute.

Overall, we are very fortunate to have her in our district and furthermore as part of our Guest Educator Team. Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, staff, and this district. 

March 2025
  • Support Employee
March 2025

Paula Dean, Education Associate, Life Skills, HHS

Support Employee of the Month  

Ms. Paula is someone who is collaborative, reliable, and positive. She communicates effectively, actively listen to others, and contributes her skills and ideas while respecting different perspectives. She is adaptable and open to feedback, always willing to support teammates and step in when needed. Her strong work ethic ensures she meets deadlines and fulfills responsibilities. Most importantly, Paula brings a positive attitude, fostering a supportive and motivated team environment. Her presence helps build trust and cohesion, making her an invaluable part of our group effort. 

Ms. Paula always has a positive attitude in her job and approaches her work with enthusiasm, resilience, and a solution-oriented mindset. She embraces challenges as opportunities to grow and stays motivated even in tough situations. Her optimism is contagious, uplifting her colleagues and creating a productive work environment.

She is proactive, adaptable, and always willing to help others. Instead of focusing on problems, she seeks solutions and remains open to feedback. Her energy and professionalism make her a joy to work with, inspiring those around her to stay engaged and perform at their best.   

Ms. Paula takes initiative, anticipates needs and finds ways to contribute beyond her job description. She consistently delivers high-quality work, often exceeding expectations, and willingly takes on additional responsibilities to support her team. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and willingness to mentor or assist others. She doesn’t just complete tasks—she looks for ways to improve processes, enhance teamwork, and create a lasting positive impact in her workplace. Her dedication and passion make her an invaluable asset to any organization.

Ms. Paula is a true servant leader and leads by example.  She is invaluable to the Special Education team at Hendrickson.

Overall, she is outstanding. She has built a great relationship with our staff and Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, our staff and this district. 

March 2025
  • Professional Employee
March 2025

Maria Carmen Ruiz Alonzo, Kindergarten Teacher ROES

Professional Employee of the Month

María Carmen Ruiz Alonso is the heart and soul of the kindergarten team. She is not just a collaborator, she is a mentor, a supporter, and a leader who brings out the best in those around her. She constantly shares her expertise, innovative ideas, and resources, ensuring that both new and experienced teachers feel supported. She never hesitates to step up when a colleague needs assistance. Her dedication to teamwork strengthens not only her immediate colleagues but also the entire school community.

Her impact extends beyond her own campus. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to excellence have made her a source of inspiration for educators throughout the district. Her ability to lead by example makes her an invaluable asset to the entire Pflugerville ISD community." 

María Carmen embodies positivity in every aspect of her work. She arrives each day with enthusiasm, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to her students and coworkers. Her energy is infectious—she lifts the spirits of everyone around her, making the school environment a joyful and welcoming place.

No challenge is too great for her; she faces every obstacle with determination and a problem-solving mindset. Her patience, warmth, and encouragement create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and eager to learn.

María Carmen does not just fulfill her job duties—she far exceeds them in every way. She is a perfectionist in the best sense, ensuring that every lesson is engaging, every activity is meaningful, and every student receives individualized attention. She dedicates countless hours outside of her contractual obligations to refine her lessons, create interactive materials, and provide additional support to students who need it. She is committed to excellence and does not settle for anything less than the best for her students.

Pflugerville ISD is incredibly fortunate to have María Carmen as part of its team. Overall, she is amazing and Pflugerville ISD is very grateful for her dedication to the families, the staff and this district.  

March 2025
  • Guest Educator
March 2025

Tanda Maxwell, GE, Mott ES

Guest Educator of the Month

Tanda is a standout team player who brings incredible value to the essential academics classroom. As a guest educator, she seamlessly integrates with the regular teaching staff, always willing to collaborate and help wherever needed. Her ability to step into different situations and provide consistent support ensures a smooth experience for both students and teachers. She understands the importance of teamwork and works effortlessly to contribute to the classroom's success.         

Tanda’s positive attitude is a breath of fresh air, especially in the fast-paced and ever-changing environment of the essential academics classroom. She approaches each day with enthusiasm, encouraging students and staff alike. Her positivity helps create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where students feel safe and motivated to engage. No matter the challenge, Tanda’s attitude remains uplifting, making her a beloved presence in the classroom.

Tanda consistently goes above and beyond by offering incredible emotional support to the staff. She provides guidance and encouragement, reminding us of the passion and purpose behind the work we do. Her presence is uplifting, and she has a unique ability to boost morale, even on the toughest days. Tanda’s emotional support and positive energy make her an invaluable part of our team.  

Overall, we are very fortunate to have her in our district and furthermore as part of our Guest Educator Team. Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our students, staff, and this district. 

  • Professional Employee
February 2025

Teresa Moyer, SPED Inclusions HS

Professional Employee of the Month 

Teresa exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated team player and maintains a consistently positive attitude, inspiring those around her to perform at their best. Her exceptional organizational skills allow her to create clear and efficient documentation, including detailed Excel spreadsheets, streamlining processes and boosting overall productivity for her team. Teresa goes above and beyond her duties by covering ARDs, providing emotional support to her colleagues, and prioritizing the well-being of others and students.

As Teresa prepares to embark on her well-deserved retirement, we celebrate her unwavering positivity and the profound impact she has had on our team and school community. Her cheerful demeanor, steadfast dedication, and ability to uplift those around her have been nothing short of inspiring. Her optimistic attitude has created a nurturing and supportive environment for both her colleagues and the students she’s worked with throughout the years.

Her legacy of kindness, professionalism, and encouragement will continue to resonate long after her departure. She has truly been a shining example of how positivity can transform the workplace and the lives of those she’s touched.

She consistently demonstrates a proactive approach, arriving an hour before the school day begins to ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard. She is also a reliable leader, her commitment to mentorship is evident in the success of the first-year teachers she has guided.

Overall, she is amazing and Pflugerville ISD is very grateful for her dedication to the students, the staff and this district.

  • Support Employee
February 2025

Heidi Skellen Education Associate, Life Skills

Support Employee of the Month

Heidi is always flexible with her schedule covering classes or taking a different lunch when we have people out. She has become our campus go to when people need help. She has come in early to set up for campus events and will always bring things from home to support her colleagues in whatever they need.

Heidi demonstrates an unwavering positive attitude that is both infectious and inspiring. She consistently approaches her responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication even on days she isn't feeling the best for undesirable tasks. She is our campus' role model for fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both students and staff.

Heidi has dedicated countless hours to training, mentoring, and encouraging our students, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident to participate in everything in and out of the school day. She has been instrumental in planning and coordinating field trips and working with other teachers on campus to work on unified events with our program. She also spends hours outside of the school day attending and watching our students in Special Olympics, dance recitals, and so much more.

Heidi is always punctual and demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. She is a leader and a role model for the other educational assistants on campus. She embodies the core values of PFISD!

Overall, she is outstanding. She has built a great relationship with our students and our staff. Pflugerville ISD is very thankful for her dedication to our district.