The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation (LEF) presented four LISD educators with the 2024 Cain Sczepanski Award of Excellence. The Cain Sczepanski Foundation in Special Education was created by Bill, Carolyn and Cara Sczepanski in memorial to their son and brother, Cain. Cain lived for 24 years with Down syndrome and heart defects and spent 18 years under the guidance of dedicated LISD instructors and paraprofessionals. The award is given to nominated special education educators who demonstrate classroom excellence. Each recipient is also given a two thousand dollar cash award.
Congratulations to the 2024 Winners!
- CASANDRA CRAIG, Heritage Elementary School
- ANNE DEYALSINGH, Liberty Elementary School
- MARLEE HILL, Timber Creek Elementary School
- ASHLEY MOBLEY, The Colony High School
CASANDRA CRAIG, Heritage Elementary School
Casandra Craig began her career in education in 2006, volunteering and subbing in various roles. Upon becoming a paraprofessional in a kindergarten classroom, Craig fell in love with special education. Craig is currently a Specially Designed Instruction teacher at Heritage Elementary School.
“There’s just a feeling in an LISD school that everyone is working towards the best possible future for kids,” Craig said. “I feel fortunate that something I’ve enjoyed doing all these years in different capacities has finally become a career for me.”
Colleagues noted Craig’s impact in special education after just one year of teaching. Craig eases the minds of colleagues, students, and families alike.
“Heritage is a better community because of how she serves, loves, and teaches,” Heritage Elementary School first grade teacher Danielle Pinckard said.
When a family at Heritage Elementary School learned of their son’s special education diagnoses, Craig was quick to encourage.
“It’s not rare in life to face challenge and confusion, but it is rare to find someone willing to walk with you through it,” a Heritage Elementary School parent said.
Craig assured the family that their son would be loved, and his personal success would be sought after and celebrated. She regularly updated the family on their son’s classroom activities, sharing both humorous and challenging moments to better equip the family in their son’s learning process. Staff and families alike felt the profound impact of Craig’s first year as a teacher. Craig’s deep empathy and desire to see her students succeed show her dedication as a notable special education teacher.
ANNE DEYALSINGH, Liberty Elementary School
As the daughter of an educator, Anne Deyalsingh knew she wanted to pursue a career in education. After eight years in general education, Deyalsingh accepted a long-term substitute position in a Communications classroom. This served as a turning point in her career, igniting her love for special education. Deyalsingh is now a Communications teacher at Liberty Elementary School, helping students with delayed or hindered speech learn how to effectively communicate with others.
“As a parent, I could not have asked for a better teacher, advocate, or example for my son to be learning and growing from,” a Liberty Elementary School parent said. “Mrs. Delaysingh is one of my son’s biggest advocates in school, whether it be during an ARD and discussing his Individual Education Plan or with his general education and adaptive teachers. She has also guided me outside of my comfort zone, so that my son can continue to grow educationally.”
Deyalsingh sets a strong example for those around her. Her profound impact is widely known, and she is often referred to when district personnel look for exemplary programs or seek to train new staff.
“She has consistently impressed others with her dedication to student’s progress and her commitment to teaching in dynamic situations,” LISD Program Interventionist Katherine Fulkerson said.
Deyalsingh bridges the gap between educators, students, and family members in a seamless and effective manner. She champions her students and encourages those she interacts with in the process.
MARLEE HILL, Timber Creek Elementary School
As a college student majoring in social work, Marlee Hill knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. After interning in a middle school, she knew she wanted to continue her career in an educational setting. Hill began her educational career as a paraprofessional. She later earned her alternative teaching certificate and is now an early childhood special education co-teacher in a Pre-K classroom at Timber Creek Elementary School.
“You will not meet a more kind and patient educator than Mrs. Hill,” Timber Creek Elementary School principal Amy Middleton said. “She masterfully balances structure and high expectations with care and genuine concern for her students.”
Hill demonstrates a love for her students reaching beyond the walls of the classroom. It’s not uncommon for Hill to join a child on the floor for as long as it takes to calm the student or check in outside of school hours if the student had a rough day.
“Since getting to know Mrs. Hill on a personal level, she is the most passionate person I have ever met in special education,” a Timber Creek Elementary School parent said. “She would do anything to support her students. My own son...tells me how Mrs. Hill sat on the floor and held him when he was really sad.”
Hill is known for her deep devotion to her students. Her caring nature creates confidence and success in students, while also reassuring parents that their children are cared for and edified in the classroom.
ASHLEY MOBLEY, The Colony High School
Born into a family of educators, Ashley Mobley never considered a different career path. As a child teaching school lessons to her stuffed animals, Mobley knew she wanted to be a teacher. It wasn’t until the premature birth of her daughter, though, that she found her place in special education. Currently, she is an Academic and Vocational Life Skills teacher at The Colony High School.
“My daughter has always been my ‘why,’” Mobley said. “She is the reason behind why I relate to my students’ parents, the reason I love teaching my students, the reason I teach special education.”
Mobley’s love for special education is evident to many, as she empowers students and parents to find confidence and peace. When a student began his first year in Mobley’s class, his family felt nervous regarding the transition to a new learning environment. They quickly found comfort in Mobley’s kind, welcoming nature.
“I knew it could have been a rough transition,” a The Colony High School parent. “Mrs. Mobley created a warm and nurturing environment from day one that made this transition almost seamless.”
Mobley takes great care to create a positive learning environment for students, working to meet students where they are in order to create engaging educational opportunities.
“There is never a time where learning should not be fun and happy,” Mobley said. “Happy students are easily engaged, engaged students are willing to listen, and good listeners are lifelong learners.”
Mobley’s classroom is one that encourages joy and success. Her dedication to her students is evident and she continues to positively benefit the special education community.
