Carri-Ann Scott is a professor who consistently goes above and beyond expectations to provide her students with engaging and hands-on classes to best stimulate their learning. Carri-Ann is a kind-hearted and caring individual that always wants the best for her students.

 

Carri-Ann’s students are extremely appreciative of the enthusiasm and kindness that she brings to every class. She is inspiring younger generations to be the best possible professionals they can be. Anyone who gets the chance to have Carri-Ann as a professor is extremely fortunate. Carri-Ann deserves this award and other awards that come her way because she is an extraordinary and amazing professor and individual.

Barbara Pytka is described as an extraordinary professor and individual who truly cares about her student's well-being and helps them become the best educators they can be. She encourages her students to follow their passions and helps provide them with the resources and information to help make these dreams come true.

 

Barbara is extremely knowledgeable in the field of Early Childhood Studies. She consistently sparks discussions in class that allow her students to think outside the box and strengthen their reflective practice and knowledge overall. We are grateful to have Barbara as a professor because of her dedication and passion for teaching younger generations of future educators.

The first recipient of this award is going to a student who has demonstrated selflessness when helping others. Abigail Francisco is now in third year and has demonstrated leadership by being kind, caring, sympathetic, and confident.  

 

Abigail is the Vice President of Communications for the Early Childhood Studies program. She is always inclusive to her peers and helps everyone with academic studies, program planning, job searches, and placement and career planning. Abigail is a strong leader within the Early Childhood Studies program and we are certain she will provide children and their families with all the love and support they deserve.

The second recipient of this award is going to a student who has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a passion for helping others. Kiaera Pavao is now in third year and has always been supportive, educational, and inspirational with her peers.

 

Kiaera has an abundance of experience working with children and adults with special needs. She demonstrates the skills and passion she has for working with children by consistently participating in meaningful discussions with her peers. She uses her voice to advocate for the rights of children and marginalized groups. In her own time, Kiaera finds extra resources for herself and peers in order to help educate others on important topics all educators should be aware of. Kiaera’s passion and drive to support and advocate for children and different marginalized groups will make a huge positive impact in the future of Early Childhood Studies.

Melanie Chocron-Abalos is a Special Ed teacher in the primary ASD class at Robert Munsch P.S. in the York Region District School Board. Melanie is an extraordinary individual who has shown passion and dedication to ensuring her students always have the tools to succeed.

 

Melanie is consistently advocating for her students’ rights to not only participate in their education but truly be included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melanie continued to fight and advocate for her students and their rights to education and being included in the school. Melanie is an individual and educator who truly deserves this award as a leader and role model within her school.

The York ASD Partnership is a partnership of nonprofit and community agencies that serve children, youth adults with ASD, and their families. The York ASD Partnership provides outstanding mentorship and support to the University of Guelph-Humber Early Childhood Studies students.

 

The York ASD Partnership is run by an amazing group of individuals that are working towards providing support, education, and resources for families and providing connections with community support/services for children and families. The Partnership members are passionate and dedicated to providing services for people with ASD and their families of all ages. The York ASD Partnership truly deserves this award as a partnership that continues to provide a positive impact on the community and helps educate and mentor students to continue their amazing practice.