February's Outstanding Employees Announced

The APS Employee Recognition Program honors some of the district's outstanding employees.

This month's honorees are: 

• Carla Beard, counseling secretary at Albuquerque High School 
• Julieana Reed, educational assistant at Grant Middle School
• Karen Montoya, administrative assistant-Threat Assessment and EAP

• Tony Sparks, Project Manager for HVAC 

These outstanding employees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town. They will have an opportunity to lunch with Superintendent Reedy, be recognized by the APS Board of Education and receive a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn more about February's Nominees

Carla Beard, Counseling Secretary at Albuquerque High School 

The counseling staff at Albuquerque High School depends on Carla and leans on her constantly on a daily basis and in times of stress and crisis. She was lauded for her professionalism, problem-solving skills, willingness to do whatever it takes for any given task, her perseverance, patience, determination, flexibility and her smile. 

"Ms. Beard uses good, solid judgment skills in dealing with other staff and faculty throughout the school, parents, students and other educational stakeholders in our community," wrote AHS Counselor Samuel Davidson. 

Julieana Reed, Educational Assistant at Grant Middle School

Julieana has been a stellar staff member at Grant for more than two decades. She is conscientious and always puts others first. She has a talent for organizing events and programs that support the students and often the staff at Grant. 

She serves on the committee for the Family Resource Center, the Family Faculty Partnership and the Instructional Council. She sponsors student council, helps with the secret pal groups and the Sunshine Committee which provides cards and flowers for staff who are ill or who have lost a loved one.

And she does all this while working on her bachelor's degree in education. 

"In the 18 years that I have been at grant MS, I have never seen a more positive person than Julieana," wrote teacher Kathy Melendez. 

Karen Montoya, Administrative Assistant-Threat Assessment and EAP

Karen takes pride in creating a positive working environment. The Employee Assistance Program serves staff members who are dealing with a high level of stress, and Karen has created a warm and caring environment to make them feel comfortable and nurtured form the moment they come into the office. Positive affirmations abound. 

"She brings in snacks and water that are artfully placed in a basket in our waiting room," wrote EAP coordinator/therapist Judy Venczel. "She has created a kids corner for children to occupy themselves while their parents are in counseling sessions. She greets all staff with a heartfelt hello as she welcomes them into our space. She puts people at ease and makes them feel special and appreciated. It makes a big difference." 

Tony Sparks, Project Manager for HVAC 

Tony is a humble person who doesn't toot his own horn, even though he was named Region IV Energy Manager of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers in 2017 and he was presented with a Business Energy Efficiency Star Award by the Public Service Company of New Mexico in 2016.

He along with other members of the Water, Energy and Conservation committee help educate and empower students and staff by identifying waste, raising awareness and making a unified effort to reduce energy use on a daily basis through behavior changes.

"WECC was just an idea back in 2013 when Tony started work with APS. He took the idea and made it happen. He leads the charge," wrote Darlene Waseta, executive assistant for Facilities, Design & Construction.  

 Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.