Berrien RESA Announces Parent Advisory Committee “Excellence in Education” Award Reception

On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Berrien RESA Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will host the 2025 Annual Excellence in Education Award Reception. The event will celebrate the dedicated work of area special education teachers, administrators, building staff and volunteers. From the list of 14 nominees, one person will be announced as the overall award winner during the reception. 

The nominees are:

• Brandywine Community Schools

  • Kristin Lugbill, Counselor

• Countryside Academy

  • Breana Martinez, Behavior Interventionist

• Lakeshore Public Schools

  • Katie Dewey, Functional Life Skills Resource Room Teacher

• Niles Community School

  • Cindy Coleman, Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional

  • Dawn Conner, Special Education Resource Teacher

  • Elizabeth Grow, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

  • Kelly Harrington, Instructional Aide

  • Mary Hill, Secretary

  • Mary Kane, Reading Interventionist

  • Stacey Mierlak, Secretary

  • Kelley Neville, Behavior Specialist

  • Daniel Vega-Lescano, School Social Worker 

• Berrien RESA 

  • Tammy Claes, Occupational Therapist

  • Lianne Zilke, School Social Worker 

Individuals were nominated by parents or their school districts in Berrien County for their contributions to the education and success of students with impairments.

Media is encouraged to attend the event. Please RSVP your attendance to Karen Heath, Director of Communications & PR, at (269) 471-7725 ext. 3147 by March 7, 2025. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Berrien RESA Administrative Conference Center at 711 St. Joseph Avenue in Berrien Springs. (Doors open at 6:15 p.m.) 

The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee includes two representatives from each school district in Berrien County. The committee works with Berrien RESA to discuss special education issues and creates an additional link between the Berrien RESA’s services and the local school districts.