Local educators reflect on their proudest achievements of 2025, driving motivations and the moments that bring them the most fulfillment, along with thoughtful guidance for those hoping to follow a similar path.
Haley Hagins
Employee Engagement Manager
1525 Eber Rd, Holland
419-866-6500
annegrady.org
What career accomplishment this year are you most proud of?
I was given the opportunity to participate in the 2026 class of Leadership Toledo. Being able to intimately care for, and get to know, my hometown means everything to me. I love Toledo, and one of my constant goals is to support and improve my community.
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
Every day, I get up and think about the individuals I’ve worked directly with in the past and how their quality of life was tethered to my ability to care for them. In my current position, I indirectly affect an individual’s quality of life by overseeing the training, resources and job satisfaction of their caregivers. The trickle-down effect is inspiring to me; it proves that caring about others is indeed contagious.
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow a similar career path? Allow yourself to fail upwards. Mistakes teach the most impactful lessons on how to support yourself. Consider every failure an opportunity to start over with experience.
Wasin Hawary
Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestra Artistic Director and conductor of their Philharmonic Orchestra.
4747 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo
419-246-8000
liveartstoledo.com
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to celebrate many accomplishments throughout my career. While visible achievements on stage are rewarding, the most meaningful ones are usually the least obvious: the unexpected notes and letters I receive from current and former students. The profound substance and deep insight contained in those messages often reveal an impact I was unaware of while working with the student. They remind me that we can have our greatest influence on others during moments that feel ordinary and serves as a reminder not to take “regular” moments for granted.
How have your students shaped your approach to leadership?
I believe leadership is about being an enthusiastic guide. I try to empower my students by giving them the tools to pursue answers when their interest is highest. The learning process is always mutual; my students teach me new ways of thinking that complement my own experience and make the learning process more personal – which, for me, creates a deeper opportunity for more meaningful learning and greater retention through our shared experience.
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
The moments where I can see something we have worked on begin to make sense. I see it in a student’s eyes or a facial expression. These “aha” moments happen at different times and can be very subtle – but it’s like looking up at the sky at the right moment and catching a shooting star streak by… it’s always fun to see and you can’t wait to catch a glimpse of the next one.
What motivates you to continue growing in your role?
To quote the character Dani Rojas, but with a twist – “Music is Life” – and there is still so much left to learn and experience…
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
Be kind, be flexible, be open to new ideas and other perspectives and listen to everything – not just the music you love or ideas you already agree with. Music can be a fulfilling career path and there are so many directions a career in music can take you, some that may not even be on your radar yet. Practice now to be prepared later. There aren’t many careers where instead of going to work, you get to say, “I have to go play.” Now go and practice!
Carrie Frost
CEO and Curriculum Director
937-689-0913
yourmsm.com
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
Seeing the spark of learning ignite in students’ work during our time together and watching them embody who they truly are as they continue doing the multisensory work together.
What motivates you to continue growing in your role?
A few words that truly motivate us: acceptance, inclusivity, allowing all learners to learn, research-based movement to enhance study skills and understanding. Getting to use alternative approaches to learning, coupled with movement and watching it actively and positively change students’ performance. As shifts in education continue, the need for this work is real, and Multisensory Mentor will be here to help students realize their full, validated potential.
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
Create an environment where everyBODY feels safe and open to learn, develop true connections with your students, and follow Mr. Rogers’ three keys to success: 1) Be Kind 2) Be Kind 3) Be Kind.
Chris Peters
Owner
Various locations
safesplash.com
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
We learned a lot the hard way this year and we have grown immensely because of it. Our goal in 2026 in consistency and continuity. Our GMs are great leaders and truly care about their staff and our clients!
How have your students shaped your approach to leadership?
Our students 100% shape our approach to leadership by constantly reminding us why we do what we do. I think that leaders get into trouble when they forget “the why” of their organization. And we have hundreds of reminders each week as to why we do what we do!
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
People are learning our curriculum and progressing. There are so many cool stories of kids and adults overcoming and surprising themselves with what they are capable of. I’m addicted to the growth of others!
What motivates you to continue growing in your role?
Running a small business forces you to change/ evolve as the months/year’s roll along. My philosophy is there’s no neutral, you’re either getting better (by changing/growing) or you’re getting worse. Period.
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
Buckle up, it’s a wild, but very rewarding, ride!
Zoe Alberts
Math Teacher
7713, 333 14th St # 4, Toledo
419-246-8732
ts4arts.org
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
2025 was full of new opportunities, both personally and professionally; my husband and I bought our first home together in Toledo, I won the Joyce Perrin Teacher of the Year award, and I am teaching a new math workshop elective I designed. The thing I am most proud of would be working under Megan Ahrene for “Night of the Living Dead” as my first theatrical endeavor at TSA. Theater has always been a passion of mine and I learned so much from the experience. I am very grateful to work at a place where I am encouraged to explore my passions creatively.
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
My favorite part of each day is being able to connect with current and past students in between classes and at events. Nothing can put a smile on my face faster than a student running up to me to share good new!
What advice would you give someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
Education is no joke and there will be some really tough days. It is so important in those moments to rely on our support system and to look for the good. Find a school that will support you and your students succeed.
Kelly Staples
Principal and director of special education
4234 Monroe St, Toledo
419-297-6313
hopelearningacademy.org
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
This year, I have had the opportunity to change my role at Hope Learning Academy. I am honored to be named principal. I am proud of my career and my experiences at Hope that have made me the leader I am today. I began teaching at Hope in 2014. Throughout my time here, I have been a general education teacher, an intervention specialist, the Assistant School Leader, Director of Special Education and, now, Principal. Over the years, every student and family at Hope has helped me learn and grow as an educator and a school leader. I am very proud to be a part of the Hope family.
How have your students shaped your approach to leadership?
The students at Hope have helped shape my approach to leadership in many ways over the years. Understanding the individual needs of each student is a large part of being a successful leader. At Hope we strive to meet all of the needs of our students, both academically, mentally and physically. Our small class sizes and academic programs, including a dyslexia support program, social skills classes and sensory integration, allow us to give each student a personalized learning experience. Our intervention team collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that students are getting the individualized support they need to be successful. This includes sensory breaks or calm-down strategies. Our Social Skills Program gives students the tools they need to regulate their emotions and to build healthy, positive relationships with their peers. At HOPE our mission is to help students reach their highest potential.
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
The most fulfilling part of my school day is seeing the community Hope has built within our building. Hope is the true definition of community. The small class sizes allow everyone to get to know each other, which has helped create a true family and community. All students have individual learning needs and the Hope community supports them all. Many of the staff at Hope have been here for 5 years or longer. This commitment has helped build community throughout the staff, students and families. Open communication and understanding is a key piece to building a sense of community.
Adriana McNally
Upper School Spanish Teacher & Upper School
World Languages Department Chair
1715 South Reynolds Rd, Toledo
419-381-1313
mvcds.org
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
At Maumee Valley, curriculum design is an ongoing, reflective process that allows us to respond to student growth and interests. This year, I am most proud of teaching a newly developed course that completes a two-year advanced Spanish sequence. Drawing on my own journey as a bilingual educator originally from Argentina, I designed this course to bridge the gap between linguistic skill and authentic cultural immersion. After engaging students last year in “Advanced Topics in Spanish” with issues of migration, equity, power and representation, this year, “Spanish: Challenges of the 21st Century” deepens their learning by examining global challenges facing Spanish-speaking communities through cultural, social, and justice oriented lenses. Through this work, I intentionally challenge students to think critically and reflect on the lived experiences of others, fostering empathy and global awareness alongside advanced language proficiency.
How have your students shaped your approach to leadership?
Over my 14 years at Maumee Valley, I have had the privilege of watching generations of students grow, and they have profoundly shaped my approach to leadership.They have taught me that effective leadership begins with listening. Their setbacks, curiosity, diverse perspectives and willingness to engage with complex and sometimes uncomfortable topics have pushed me to lead with humility, flexibility and intentionality. I see leadership as a collaborative process; one that values student voice, adapts to evolving needs, and prioritizes creating spaces where inquiry, empathy and growth are central.
What part of your daily work brings you the most fulfillment?
The most fulfilling part of my daily work is the relationships we are able to build with our students at Maumee Valley. Those relationships create the trust and support that allow students to take intellectual risks, ask questions, and persevere through challenges. I love to see students experience a breakthrough when a concept clicks or they arrive at an understanding on their own, because those moments reflect both their growth as learners and the strength of the learning community we have built together.
by Anna James
A powerful bear travels across land and sea, quietly protecting the natural world and the creatures within it. Told largely through expressive illustrations, this visually driven story encourages conversations about caring for the planet and our role in keeping nature in balance. Ages 3-8.
How do you plan to expand your impact on the community in the coming year?
What are your top priorities for your organization in 2026?
