Teacher Award Nomination – Ms. Julissa Ashby I am honored to nominate Ms. Julissa Ashby for this award in recognition of the extraordinary care, dedication, and support she provides to her students. Ms. Ashby has made a truly meaningful impact on my son, Liam Souders, and our family. Liam is autistic, and navigating the school environment can sometimes be overwhelming for him. Ms. Ashby became a trusted and consistent source of comfort and guidance. Liam developed a routine where he could go see Ms. Ashby whenever he was feeling overwhelmed or needed reassurance. Knowing that he had a safe place and a supportive adult who understood him made an incredible difference in his ability to manage difficult moments during the school day. Ms. Ashby has been far more than a teacher—she has been a mentor, advocate, and source of stability for Liam. She helped him establish routines that allowed him to feel more confident and secure at school. During challenging times, she was always patient, compassionate, and ready to help him work through his struggles. Her willingness to meet Liam where he was emotionally and support him with kindness and understanding has had a lasting impact on his growth. Teachers like Ms. Ashby change lives. Her dedication, empathy, and commitment to supporting every child—especially those who need a little extra understanding—make her truly deserving of this recognition. Our family will always be grateful for the difference she has made in Liam’s life. For these reasons, I proudly nominate Ms. Julissa Ashby for this award.