It is a pleasure and honor to speak about my colleague and friend Candice Hartranft. We at the Niles Township District for Special Education co-op (NTDSE) are honored to have a nominee for the ISPA Practitioner of the Year. We have been blessed with Candice’s knowledge for the past four years and are excited for her to be honored amongst her peers.

Candice’s nomination was initiated by our school psychology intern. This to me speaks volumes in regards to Candice’s effect on others. She inspires and challenges others while always keeping the focus on students.

Candice is always pulling for the underdog and you will never hear her say something cannot be done. If it is a benefit to students, she will ensure it happens. Her greatest asset is her resourcefulness. Whether you need a post-it of varying size, a Sharpie of any color, or a curriculum, behavior strategy, or up-to-date research, Candice will have it or find it for you!

Candice is an innovative change agent who is not afraid to take risks. In fact, within her first year at NTDSE, she collaborated with Pearson and our nine member districts to consolidate AIMSWeb data. We are the only cooperative in IL with a township-wide account, which allows us to utilize local norms to make data-based decisions.

Candice has a strong foundation and is a tremendous support for our organization. It is crucial for ISPA to have leaders like Candice who are willing to take risks and lead positive change.

Congrats Candice, we are so proud to work with you! - Tarin Kendrick