Cindy Hollenbeck
Parent
“Lisa Meincke was the Captain of the Ship for my son Nate’s journey with inclusion in elementary school. Lisa led the way with her expertise, extraordinary communication skills and undeniable passion and advocacy for individuals with special needs. She shared our vision and laid the groundwork for Nate’s IEP team which continually led to a successful inclusion experience for seven years with her leadership. Nate, who has Down syndrome, is now a young adult and leading a happy and productive life with the foundation that Lisa helped build when he was a child. Lisa is a true gem of a special educator and person.”
Cynthia Gotha
Former Principal at Field School & Former Early Childhood Coordinator in District 15
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Lisa Meincke for over twenty-five years. For many of those years we worked together in the early childhood program to support children, school staff and parents. Throughout that time, Lisa has tirelessly and passionately been an advocate for children, particularly those with special needs. Her knowledge when handling instructional or behavioral issues is unsurpassed. She uses her skills, knowledge and background to develop practical, easy-to-use strategies and plans to assist children to be successful and to make progress in all academic and social areas. As a former Principal, Special Education Administrator and as a Parent and Grandparent, I would want Lisa to support me in the problem-solving process for the most successful outcomes for students.”
Mrs. Meggan Gannon
2nd Grade Teacher at Gray M. Sanborn School
“I have worked with Lisa while she served in several different positions in District 15 including: kindergarten teacher, inclusion facilitator, and district behavioral specialist. In all the positions she has held, Lisa has demonstrated excellent problem solving skills, even with the most challenging children. She is very patient and child centered and she takes the time to get to know each child on a deep level in order to understand their behaviors and how to better help each of them be successful. Lisa is a great communicator and she helps the entire team feel comfortable with the plans that she puts in place. Her communication style is positive, encouraging, and proactive. When something doesn’t work, Lisa has an enormous amount of ideas to try instead and she never gives up until everyone involved with the child is comfortable with the results. If I had a child with special needs, I would definitely want Lisa working on my team because she is truly gifted and talented at helping children with special needs find success in school.”
Cindy Becker
Special Education Paraprofessional at Paddock School, District 15
“Lisa is the reason I became a Special Education Paraprofessional. Lisa’s experience and knowledge taught me how to find the best ways to help my students be successful in the classroom. Over the years, I watched Lisa think outside the box and come up with new strategies and ideas to problem solve and help children. The first thing Lisa taught me was that our students need to be happy, feel cared about and enjoy coming to school, from there we can teach. She showed me how to build a supportive relationship with my students that included fostering their independence. She has been an excellent resource and I am so fortunate to have learned from her.”
Joanne Atkinson-Kloser
Former Social Worker at Paddock School, CCSD 15
“Lisa’s passion for all kids and including them successfully in their home schools and community has made an impact on countless families, students and educators. She uses her many skills to help our most challenging students. Her strategies, techniques and attitude are invaluable in helping teachers to understand a student’s strengths as well as their needs. Lisa’s positive energy motivates others to support the students she works with. She is an outstanding and creative problem solver, a mentor and a true advocate for families who have children with special needs. Anyone who works with Lisa will indeed be very lucky to benefit from her experience, her knowledge and her expertise.”