The Lewisville ISD Education Foundation is proud to recognize the four winners of the 2026 Cain Sczepanski Award of Excellence in Special Education. This award, given on behalf of The Cain Sczepanski Foundation in Special Education, was created by Bill, Carolyn, and Cara Sczepanski in memory of their beloved son and brother, Cain.
Cain, who lived for 24 years with Down syndrome and heart defects, spent 18 years under the guidance of dedicated LISD educators. The award recognizes special education professionals who exemplify excellence in the classroom and includes a cash award.
Congratulations to the 2025 Winners!
- AARON HILL, Flower Mound High School
- ANDREA RODI, Southridge Elementary
- ASHLEY MCCORMICK, Valley Ridge Elementary
- MELISSA MACIAS, Forest Vista Elementary
AARON HILL, Flower Mound High School
Aaron Hill’s journey into special education began shortly after high school when he took a job at a summer camp for children with special needs. What started as a summer opportunity quickly became a life-changing experience. Through working closely with campers, Aaron discovered not only a natural ability to connect with students with disabilities, but also a passion for helping them grow and succeed. Although he once imagined a future in technology or software engineering, his experiences at camp inspired him to pursue a career in education instead.
Now serving as a Life Skills teacher at Flower Mound High School, Aaron is dedicated to helping students build the academic, vocational, and social skills they need for lifelong independence. Teaching Math and Science within the Academic Life Skills program, he creates engaging, hands-on lessons that make learning meaningful and accessible for students with diverse learning needs. From interactive math activities to exciting science experiments, Aaron strives to make every student feel capable and successful.
“I want my students to truly be able to do things as independently as possible,” says Aaron. “My catch phrase is ‘Make it happen,’ because I want my students to build the confidence to problem solve and take initiative on their own.”
Aaron is known for creating a classroom environment filled with positivity, encouragement, and humor. His students are drawn to his enthusiasm and patience, and he works intentionally to build strong relationships rooted in trust and respect. Beyond academics, he prioritizes teaching communication, collaboration, self-advocacy, and vocational skills that prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
“Mr. Hill has a remarkable ability to make learning accessible, meaningful, and engaging for students with diverse learning needs,” says Mary McMinimy, FMHS Life Skills Lead Teacher. “He brings energy and humor into his teaching, making learning both fun and purposeful. His commitment to student growth, both academically and socially, makes him a valuable asset to our educational community.”
Students and families alike recognize Aaron’s impact. One of his students, Caleb, shared how Aaron’s patience and ability to explain difficult concepts helped him gain confidence in math. Caleb’s mother, Veronica Diaz, credits Aaron with helping her son grow both academically and socially, noting his unique ability to connect with quieter students and help them believe in their own potential.
Through his dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in his students, Aaron continues to inspire confidence and independence in every learner he serves. His philosophy remains simple but powerful: with the right support and encouragement, every student can “make it happen.”
ANDREA RODI, Southridge Elementary
Andrea Rodi has known since high school that she wanted to become an elementary teacher. While she initially envisioned herself teaching Kindergarten, her path shifted once she began taking special education courses in college. Andrea discovered that although she enjoyed working in general education classrooms, her true passion was found in special education.
Over the years, Andrea has served in a variety of roles supporting students with disabilities, including teaching PPCD, working as an aide in the AVLS classroom, and spending many years as a substitute teacher in ALS and BIC classrooms while raising her own children. Those experiences only strengthened her dedication to helping students with unique learning needs reach their full potential.
Today, Andrea serves as the K-2 Academic Life Skills teacher at Southridge Elementary, where she leads a classroom of 11 students with energy, compassion, and high expectations. Her classroom is an active and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and celebrate every achievement along the way.
“I have high standards for my students and challenge them to be the best they can be,” says Andrea. “I truly believe that all students can achieve whatever they desire.”
That belief became deeply personal when Andrea’s own hearing-impaired son was told at three years old that he would never read beyond a third-grade level. Refusing to accept those limitations, Andrea and her family continued to encourage and support him. Today, he is a Statistics and Honors Geometry teacher in Denton ISD — a testament to Andrea’s unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
Andrea is widely respected by colleagues and staff for her compassion, dedication, and ability to create a supportive learning environment where every student feels valued. She is known for meeting each student’s individual academic needs while maintaining high expectations and encouraging them to always “try their best.”
“As a Special Education teacher, Ms. Rodi approaches her work with a rare combination of professional expertise and deep compassion,” says colleague Sheila Nelson. “She sees her students’ strengths before their limitations, their potential before their challenges, and their dignity in every moment.”
Her paraprofessional of eight years, Ginger Wyatt, describes Andrea as an educator who works tirelessly to make learning engaging and meaningful for her students. “She instills in them the idea to ‘try your best,’” Wyatt shares. “You can feel the enthusiasm in the classroom.”
“Her dedication to her students and her passion for special education make a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom,” says Jeffrey Randolph, Title I Dean of Students at Southridge Elementary.
Through her unwavering advocacy, compassion, and belief in the limitless potential of her students, Andrea continues to inspire confidence, perseverance, and growth in every child she serves.
ASHLEY MCCORMICK, Valley Ridge Elementary STEM Academy
Ashley McCormick’s passion for working with children began at an early age. From helping in her mother’s toddler classroom during summers to babysitting and serving with children at church, Ashley always found joy in supporting young learners. Over time, she became especially drawn to children who needed additional physical, emotional, or behavioral support, inspired by the educators who had once been a safe and encouraging presence in her own life.
That passion eventually led Ashley to special education. After moving to Texas, she frequently substituted in a life skills classroom where she quickly formed strong connections with students whose personalities, resilience, and joy deeply impacted her. Even on days she was assigned elsewhere, Ashley spent her lunch breaks helping in the classroom — an experience that confirmed special education was exactly where she was meant to be.
Today, Ashley serves as a Functional Life Skills teacher at Valley Ridge Elementary STEM Academy, where she works with students who are severely and profoundly affected by their disabilities. Many of her students are nonverbal and require support with communication, daily living skills, and classroom routines throughout the day. While others may focus on limitations, Ashley focuses on possibilities.
“Many people speak about the things my students cannot do,” Ashley explains, “but I focus on their strengths and help build on them. My students are capable of learning and growing, and my goal is to help them reach their full potential.”
Ashley believes in meeting students where they are and using positive strategies, sensory-based learning, play, and natural environments to help students develop meaningful life skills and independence. She celebrates every milestone her students achieve, knowing how hard they work for each success.
Colleagues describe Ashley as a compassionate leader who consistently goes above and beyond for both students and staff. In addition to serving her students, she mentors fellow teachers, supports ARD meetings, collaborates closely with therapists and families, and willingly steps in wherever help is needed across campus.
“Ashley consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to her students,” says Valley Ridge Principal Kaleigh Malone. “She builds strong, meaningful relationships with each child and works tirelessly to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success.”
Speech-Language Pathologist Lynsay Smith praises Ashley’s belief in her students’ abilities and her creativity in the classroom. “Where others might make assumptions about students’ capabilities, Ashley assumes competence,” Smith says. “She helps students make gains that once seemed unattainable.”
Known for her compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child, Ashley continues to make a profound impact at Valley Ridge Elementary. Through her dedication and encouragement, she helps students gain confidence, independence, and meaningful opportunities for success every day.
MELISSA MACIAS, Forest Vista Elementary School
Melissa Macias has always had a passion for working with children. She began her career as a preschool teacher, where she quickly fell in love with watching young students learn, grow, and thrive. After spending several years at home raising her own children, Melissa returned to Lewisville ISD as a substitute teacher, unsure of where her next step would lead. While working across a variety of schools and classrooms, she found herself continually drawn to special education settings and the meaningful relationships she built with students there.
“I couldn’t get enough of the students,” Melissa says. “I would go home talking about them all evening and wake up in the middle of the night thinking about new interventions or accommodations to try with them.”
When a paraprofessional position opened in an Academic Life Skills classroom at Forest Vista Elementary, Melissa immediately pursued the opportunity. Five years later, she continues to pour her heart into supporting students with cognitive disabilities ranging from kindergarten through third grade. In her classroom, students work on academic skills such as reading and number sense while also learning important life skills like cooking, toothbrushing, communication, and social interaction.
Melissa’s days are filled with a wide range of responsibilities — from supporting students using communication devices and implementing behavior intervention plans to assisting with toileting, sensory needs, and inclusion opportunities in general education settings. While the work is demanding, Melissa says the reward far outweighs the exhaustion.
“I go home exhausted every day, but with a full heart,” she shares. “Most people do not get the opportunity to know how special these children are, and I feel so privileged that I get to spend my days with them.”
Melissa’s philosophy centers on the belief that students with disabilities deserve the same care, opportunities, and support as any other child. She believes it is not up to educators to define a student’s limits, but instead to provide the tools and encouragement necessary to help every child reach their fullest potential.
Colleagues and families consistently praise Melissa for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering advocacy for students. Her coworker and classroom teacher, Krista Steinwender, describes Melissa as “more dedicated, caring, and devoted to our students than any other teacher or paraprofessional I have ever known.”
Parents have also witnessed Melissa’s impact firsthand. Dana White credits Melissa with helping her son develop confidence and social skills through intentionally facilitated small-group lunches that foster belonging and friendship. “She is not simply an educator,” White shares. “She is a difference-maker.”
Even while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer last year, Melissa remained deeply invested in her students, calling during the school day for updates and continuing to support families in need outside the classroom.
Known for her compassion, fierce advocacy, and deep love for her students, Melissa continues to make a lasting impact at Forest Vista Elementary. Through her dedication and belief in every child’s potential, she helps students feel valued, capable, and supported every single day.
