Heather Lackey, director of Student Services for Berkley Schools, was honored on May 13 with a Gwisdalla Award for her work in the special education field.
The recognition is given out annually by the Special Education Administrators of Oakland County (SEAOC). The Gwisdalla Award was created in honor of Gregory Gwisdalla, who was the director of Special Education at Oakland Schools from 1997 to 2001.
“Heather's unwavering commitment to helping students with an individualized education program (IEP) become successful in school and life is admirable and inspiring,” said Scott Francis, superintendent of Berkley School District. “One of her many strengths is her ability to problem solve with staff and parents to help a child learn and grow. Heather provides strong leadership for a group of wonderful educators who do what is best for kids every day.”
Lackey is a longstanding member of SEAOC and serves the organization in the role of secretary. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for doing what is right for all students. Her leadership in the Berkley School District has focused on collaboration toward the development of seclusion and restraint guidance. Additionally, she has contributed to the development of guidance documents for Otherwise Health Impairment (OHI) eligibility and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
“Receiving this recognition from my peers is humbling and surprising. I feel that by accepting this award, I am representing my colleagues across the county for everyone's dedication and fearless leadership during this challenging school year,” said Heather Lackey, director of Student Services for Berkley Schools. “I am honored to work with educators who have continued to keep students first in everything we do.”
Lackey earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in School and Community Psychology from Wayne State University, and an educational specialist certificate from Grand Valley State University.
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