To celebrate national Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, Greenwich Public Schools have announced the professional assistants who have been named honorees of the 2025 Paraeducators of the Year, for those that have exhibited an extraordinary commitment to their position at their respective schools, making a significant impact on both academic and personal development of students. Paraprofessional Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of April. From these 15 distinguished professional assistants, one will be chosen to represent the district as GPS’ nomination for Connecticut’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award.
“Paraeducators are integral and beloved members of our school community that inspire students to reach their full potential,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones said. “Each year, we will give a special thank you to all of those that provide exceptional support to our students with their professionalism and adaptability.”
The Connecticut State Department of Education defines a paraeducator as an employee who assists teachers and/or other certified professionals or therapists in the delivery of instructional and related services to students. The paraeducator works under the direct supervision of the teacher and/or other certified or licensed professionals. The ultimate responsibility for the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs, including assessment of student progress, is a collaborative effort between certified and licensed staff.
Each building will hold its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions. An announcement regarding GPS’ nomination for Connecticut’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award will be made in the coming weeks.
2025 Greenwich Public Schools Paraeducators of the Year
Greenwich High School……………….. Melissa Greco
Central Middle School…………………….. Maria Popp
Eastern Middle School……………….. Steven Geaney
Western Middle School…………………. Frank Velleca
Cos Cob School……………………….. Teresa DiSalvo
Glenville School………………………… Ethan Frankel
Hamilton Avenue School…………… Christian Monson
International School at Dundee…… Pamela Lamanna
Julian Curtiss School………………… Kathryn O’Leary
New Lebanon School……….. Katherine Hohl DeCarlo
North Mianus School………………………. Luz Solano
North Street School……………….. Christopher Bortot
Old Greenwich School…………………….. Ryan Mayo
Parkway School………………………… Alexis Stevens
Riverside School………………………… Ann Donohue
