Recognizing Staff Excellence: 2026 Core Value Awards

Each year, our management team in each program carefully selects staff members who have done outstanding work demonstrating skills that advance their team and contribute to our students’ success. The Core Value Award recognizes staff members who echo our core values: Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership. A huge congratulations to our 2026 Core Value Award winners!

She is a therapist for seniors who helps them apply to college and jobs and process their fears about transitioning to adulthood.  She is a behavior specialist who manages the many emotions that come with supporting truant students as they re-engage in school. She uses all her many talents to organize school-wide internships and events for students to practice real-world skills with the support of staff. She builds great relationships with community stakeholders, securing supportive partnerships for graduating seniors. 

Ms. Brown tracks transition plans for all students aged 14 and above, often creating bonds with 8th graders before they enter high school. Students love working with her because she is not only dedicated to their personal growth, but she also holds them accountable using humor and wit. She builds them up and makes adulthood look attainable while setting realistic goals for their future. Years after students have graduated, Ms. Brown works with them to provide documentation as they transition through professional opportunities. When students come to visit, they always ask for Ms. Brown! She is the heart of the program, and we are very happy to have her on our team!

She sets clear classroom expectations and leads her support staff with confidence and effective communication. Her integrity is displayed by her attendance, her honesty, and her trustworthiness.

She is dependable, professional, and shows her dedication to the students by being prepared daily, facilitating creative and engaging lessons, and demonstrating consistent optimism. She is kind, open, and appreciative of her classroom staff, treating them as equal and respected colleagues.

This year, she stepped into a larger leadership role by supervising the certificate track high school classroom and helping staff grow it into a dynamic part of the program.

Ms. LeBlanc also demonstrated exceptional teamwork and dedication when both the Education Director and IEP Coordinator were out for an extended period. Without hesitation, she took on additional responsibilities to ensure everything continued running smoothly.

She approaches all responsibilities with dedication, reliability, and careful attention to detail. Tasks are completed thoroughly and on time, and she regularly goes above and beyond expectations to ensure that the staff are well supported.

She is a true team player. Jen collaborates effectively with colleagues across multiple schools, communicates clearly and respectfully, and contributes to a positive, solution-focused work environment. This year in particular, she has made a personal effort to assist all the schools, stepping in during periods of significant staffing challenges to help programs function smoothly and in compliance. Integrity is central to how Jen operates. She consistently demonstrates honesty, professionalism, and accountability in her decisions and interactions. Colleagues and supervisors can trust that she will follow through, uphold policies and expectations, and always act in the best interests of students and the organization.

Jen also exemplifies respect by listening to others’ perspectives, treating everyone with fairness and kindness, and fostering a culture where all staff feel valued. Her calm, respectful demeanor helps de-escalate challenging situations and fosters stronger working relationships. Jen demonstrates leadership, both formally and informally. She willingly steps in where she is needed, including providing significant support to the compliance division and taking on responsibilities beyond her typical role. She models professionalism and high standards for others and is often the person people turn to for guidance and support.

Jen Oshenska is highly deserving of the Foundation School Core Values (TWIRL) Award. For her unwavering commitment to teamwork, work ethic, integrity, respect, and leadership, and her extraordinary efforts in supporting multiple schools, in technology, and the compliance division during a challenging year.

Whether during a classroom lesson, student crisis, fundraiser, or school-wide event, her calm demeanor, positive attitude, and commitment to students and staff make her an invaluable member of the FLC team.

Ms. Spriggs has played a major role in organizing and supporting numerous school initiatives alongside colleagues, including Winter Fest, Health and Wellness activities, Vocational Days, the School Store, the car wash, and the Autism Speaks Walk and fundraisers. Her dedication extends far beyond her assigned responsibilities, as she continuously volunteers her time and energy to ensure programs run smoothly and students have meaningful opportunities to grow and succeed.

Within the classroom, Ms. Spriggs demonstrates exceptional leadership and professionalism. She supports instruction, maintains structure and routines, and ensures students remain engaged and on schedule. Staff members know they can rely on her completely, and she consistently handles challenging situations with patience, respect, and care while preserving students’ dignity and safety. She creates a supportive and welcoming environment where students and colleagues feel valued and understood.

Even during stressful moments, she approaches each day with a smile and a willingness to help others. Her reliability, initiative, and genuine compassion make her not only a trusted teammate but also someone who positively impacts the entire school community. Ms. Spriggs is highly deserving of recognition as the 2026 FLC TWIRL winner.