May's Outstanding Employees Announced

The latest group of employees honored by the APS Employee Recognition Program includes a secretary, health assistant, educational assistant and dean of students/basketball coach.

Congratulations to this month's honorees: 

• Crystal Carlyle, Secretary at Sandia Base Elementary School 
• Nora Orozco DeSantiago,  Health Assistant at Alamosa Elementary School
• Angelic Peralta, Educational Assistant at 7-Bar Elementary School 
• Justin Woody, Dean of Students and Head Basketball Coach at Highland High School

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will have an opportunity to lunch with Superintendent Reedy or her representative. They also were recognized by the APS Board of Education and received a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about May's Nominees

Crystal Carlyle, Secretary at Sandia Base Elementary School

Crystal goes above and beyond to help the school, staying late, welcoming families and students, answering questions. She is an excellent team player who steps up to cover for vacancies with a smile on her face. She is always willing to do extra if it benefits the school and students. 

She enthusiastically supports the mission of APS, elevating the image of public education. 

"Crystal is often the first face people see while walking into Sandia Base Elementary. She is always a welcoming and positive force. She will stand up for students to ensure they have a safe and positive atmosphere for learning. All the students and staff love her and are so happy to work with her to help educate our students," said school nurse Danielle Steiner. 

Nora Orozco De Santiago, Health Assistant at Alamosa Elementary School 

Nora is described as nurturing and kind. She has good people skills, is bilingual and is always very gracious when talking to parents, staff and students. She is a great team player and is always willing to lend a helping hand or volunteer to help wherever she is needed. 

"Nora is very conscientious about getting the job done. All shots records are in the system and up-to-date, boo-boos are taken care of and at the end of the day the health office is disinfected and ready for the next day to start up again," said Frances Sandoval, the clerk at Alamosa. 

Angelic Peralta, Educational Assistant at 7-Bar Elementary School 

Angelic truly exemplifies "seeing the whole child." She is willing to go into classrooms that are short staffed to help with the most challenging students. She supports students and teachers by creating workboxes, task folder and activities that meet the student IEP goals and promote a fun learning environment. While she works with students who are physically and verbally aggressive, she never takes their behaviors personal or holds it against the student. 
"She is always willing to try anything to help the student be or become the best version of themselves," said Vercye Thompson, behavior management specialist. 

Justin Woody, Dean of Students and Head Basketball Coach at Highland High School  

As dean of students, all discipline falls on the shoulders of Justin Woody. Still, he is able to develop trusting relationships with students, reflected in the success he has had on the basketball court. Coach Woody has helped turn around the team, which went from losing 22 games last year to having a winning season and making it to the playoffs this year.

"He encourages players to maintain their grades and his strong commitment to education is apparent," said Janet Barela with APS Police. She described Justin as professional, kind and consistent. And above all, "he does all of this with a positive attitude."  

It’s very likely you know a deserving APS employee who makes us all proud. Someone who goes above and beyond, elevates their profession and demonstrates daily why the people who make public education possible are valued in our schools and homes.

Any individual who has been employed by Albuquerque Public Schools for six months or longer is eligible to be nominated for the Employee Recognition.

How to nominate an employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee (i.e., no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

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