Karen Ochoa
Karen has been described by those who work with her as truly dedicated and humble. She has worked for the LaGrange Area District for Special Education (LADSE) as a school psychologist since she entered the field nearly 15 years ago. It was truly fitting that she be given this award at our convention. She was described as “one of those professionals who is always seeking new information and upgrading her skills, she truly embodies the qualities of a life-long learner.” Karen remains current with school psychology trends and has introduced and helped implement numerous new programs in the schools where she is assigned. She is tireless in her commitment to our field as evidenced by her leadership role in the West Suburban School Psychologists Association.
Karen has proven to be a role model and mentor to those entering the field. She has assisted in training numerous practicum students and interns from across the training programs in Illinois. Karen views these experiences as another vehicle for continued professional development.
The letters of support for Karen spanned across disciplines and stakeholders. Through them it is obvious that Karen has been able to practice successfully across all of the standards which guide our work. Yet, it is the method in which she conducts her work that is so strikingly moving. As stated by an administrator with whom she works,
“In my fifteen years in the field of special education, I have had the opportunity to work with many school psychologists. What makes Karen stand above the rest is her refreshing, innovative take toward all situations she is presented. She stays focused and uses a positive approach to finding ways to help students be more successful at school and in life. She works tirelessly with students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community to effect movement toward best practices.”
Moreover, Karen has found time to contribute time and energy to the local community. She has been an active community member in her home town of Hinsdale. She has chaired fund raisers, volunteered at schools, and coordinated volunteers at Madison School in the Hinsdale community.
As an association that annually recognizes a unique practitioner, we are delighted and proud to have selected Karen Ochoa as this year’s Ted Smith Practitioner of the Year.
Karen has proven to be a role model and mentor to those entering the field. She has assisted in training numerous practicum students and interns from across the training programs in Illinois. Karen views these experiences as another vehicle for continued professional development.
The letters of support for Karen spanned across disciplines and stakeholders. Through them it is obvious that Karen has been able to practice successfully across all of the standards which guide our work. Yet, it is the method in which she conducts her work that is so strikingly moving. As stated by an administrator with whom she works,
“In my fifteen years in the field of special education, I have had the opportunity to work with many school psychologists. What makes Karen stand above the rest is her refreshing, innovative take toward all situations she is presented. She stays focused and uses a positive approach to finding ways to help students be more successful at school and in life. She works tirelessly with students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community to effect movement toward best practices.”
Moreover, Karen has found time to contribute time and energy to the local community. She has been an active community member in her home town of Hinsdale. She has chaired fund raisers, volunteered at schools, and coordinated volunteers at Madison School in the Hinsdale community.
As an association that annually recognizes a unique practitioner, we are delighted and proud to have selected Karen Ochoa as this year’s Ted Smith Practitioner of the Year.
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