Gabe was lucky enough to have Ms. Knott in her first year as a teacher. He had been struggling with anxiety and with managing his ADHD symptoms. Gabe had been frustrated and feeling like he was a "bad kid" or the problem. Ms. Knott approached him with empathy and kindness. She was able to connect with him, make him feel valued, give him skills to manage his ADHD symptoms, and still maintain expectations about his behavior. I cannot begin to express what a difference this made. The year prior, he had begun refusing to go to school because his struggle with managing his behavior and the reception he got at school made him feel so badly about himself. In contrast, he blossomed under Ms. Knott. My kid who would refuse to get out of the car and go into school, was asking to go early. He would run happily to the playground. Even now, a year later, Ms. Knott continues to be a resource and advocate for Gabe. As he continues to learn to regulate his impulses, she connects with him and has offered to be a resource for his current teachers.