NCESD Staff Awards Luncheon 2026

Published On: June 17th, 2026|Categories: Agency News, Awards, News|
NCESD Staff Awards Luncheon 2026

At the conclusion of every school year, the NCESD takes a moment to celebrate and acknowledge team members who have extraordinarily demonstrated what it means to lead, serve, and support.

The achievements celebrated during the annual luncheon event are testaments to the skilled and dedicated team at NCESD. Each staff member lends their expertise and hard work to the NCESD every day, ensuring the organization’s ability to continue serving our region’s students, school staff, districts, and community partners. Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2026 NCESD Staff Awards!

Each description below was submitted by the individual who nominated the award recipient.

Lead Awards

These awards are given to NCESD staff members who inspire a shared vision and direction with a team, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, strategic decision-making, and the ability to foster a high-performing and inclusive culture. They excel in verbal and written expression, listen attentively, and empower team members to achieve significant organizational impact.

Anna Troutman

Assistant Director Special Education /
MASH Program Director

Emily Bushouse

Behavior/Inclusion Specialist

Bill Eagle

Executive Director Student Success & Learning

Ashley Goetz

Associate Director Student Success & Learning

“Anna inspires all of those inside and outside the MASH team to have shared vision and direction with such a measured form of ambition and competence. She achieves immense organizational impact by offering her unique expertise and experience to guide her superiors and advocate for her teams.

Her ability to model reflection and growth makes her an ideal leader for a field which requires team members to walk alongside and support schools through some of their toughest moments.

She builds strong and long-lasting relationships not only within her teams but also throughout the region, evidenced by a network of educators and administrators that seek her expertise even after her contractual obligations have ceased.

Everything Anna does leads to an increase in support, advocacy, relationships, and service to those who need it most in our region!”

“Anna runs the most growth-oriented trainings I have ever been a part of. They are always challenging and reflective. She’s always available to help with problem solving, which she does with an ask first approach. Her energy and character alone always pull those around her upward. I cannot say enough good things about her!”

“Emily is an exceptional leader at our agency. I have attended numerous trainings facilitated by her and the quality of her teaching and materials is unmatched. Have you ever consulted with her? She is one of the best active listeners that I’ve ever encountered, often rephrasing and summarizing what was said with mastered skill and precision. Her knowledge of MTSS is unrivaled. With the change to MTSS in 2028, our agency and our districts are so incredibly lucky to have her leading the charge. I have seen her guide several districts as they try and navigate the complicated world of tiered supports. She leads with data informed decisions ALWAYS and is CONSISTENTLY high performing! Emily is one of the hardest working professionals that I’ve ever seen. I am a better professional because of her. I am proud to call her a colleague.”

“This person is one of the most talked about team members that we have. We are so incredibly lucky to have her on our team. She has mastered customer service and gives every district something customized to both their needs and their readiness. She is intentional in everything she does and meticulous yet she shows great adaptability when thrown into almost any role. Emily Bushouse is an absolute gem of a leader and she has impacted almost every school in our region in a positive way.”

“Consistently leads with integrity, elevates others, and makes a lasting, meaningful impact.”

“Bill demonstrates exceptional leadership in the Migrant Education Program through a deep commitment to students, families, and staff. He leads with integrity, compassion, and a clear vision that empowers our tiny but mighty team to serve with purpose and excellence. His ability to build strong relationships and create a culture of trust has strengthened our program and expanded its impact even to non-project districts in our area. He consistently advocates for equitable opportunities and ensures that the needs of migratory students are prioritized. Through his guidance, our team feels supported, valued, and inspired to grow. His leadership truly makes a lasting difference in the lives of the communities we serve and our families and students feel like their future is brighter and closer to their reach.”

“I am honored to nominate Bill Eagle for the Exceptional Leadership Award. Bill’s leadership at NCESD reflects a deep commitment to people, purpose, and progress, and his impact is felt not only within his team but across the entire organization.

Bill has a remarkable ability to inspire a shared vision and bring clarity to the work ahead. He leads with intention, ensuring that those around him understand not just what they are doing, but why it matters. His direction is steady and thoughtful, helping our team stay focused even in the midst of change. What sets Bill apart is the way he brings people into that vision—making them feel valued, included, and essential to the work.

Bill’s communication skills are exceptional. Whether speaking to a group or crafting a written message, Bill communicates with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Just as importantly, he is an incredible listener. He takes the time to hear others, genuinely considering their perspectives and creating a culture where every voice matters. Because of this, people feel respected and empowered in his presence.

Bill’s strategic decision-making reflects both insight and care. He thoughtfully weighs options, anticipates challenges, and makes decisions that move the organization forward while keeping people at the center. His leadership consistently balances big-picture thinking with practical action, resulting in meaningful and lasting impact.

Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes the strengths of those around him and intentionally creates opportunities for growth and leadership in others. He empowers his team to take ownership, to innovate, and to strive for excellence—while always ensuring they feel supported. The result is a team that is not only effective, but deeply connected and motivated.

Bill Eagle exemplifies exceptional leadership. He leads with integrity, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose, and his influence continues to strengthen NCESD in powerful ways. It is with great respect and enthusiasm that I recommend him for this recognition.”

“Ashley exemplifies the very best of leadership through her ability to bring people together with purpose, clarity, and heart. She has cultivated a cohesive, high-functioning team grounded in trust, shared ownership, and a commitment to impact, where individuals feel valued and connected to a larger purpose. Beyond her internal leadership, Ashley has built strong, trusted partnerships with districts such as Chelan, Brewster, and Nespelem, where leaders consistently seek her feedback and support to strengthen their own leadership. She listens deeply, asks thoughtful questions, and serves as a true thought partner—helping others reflect, grow, and move forward with confidence. Ashley’s leadership extends far beyond her role, developing the capacity of others and embodying what it means to lead, serve, and support.”

Serve Awards

These awards are given to NCESD staff members who excel in clear facilitation, adapts remarkably, empathizes deeply, and exhibits high cultural competence, fostering inclusivity, respect for diverse perspectives, and collaborative engagement.

Terri Goveia & Kathy Anderson

Instructional Specialist /
Migrant Academic Support Specialist

Molly Naff

Administrative Assistant

Hunter McLeod

Threat Assessment Coordinator

“Terri and Kathy took over the PUD electrical safety presentations this year without hesitation. What seemed like a minor lift turned out to be quite the undertaking. First, filling James’ shoes was not easy however, Terri and Kathy rewrote the 2nd grade lesson to improve the student experience making it interactivea and engaging. They even got Bill to wear a lab coat and tell a story about a raindrops journey through the watercycle-GLAD style. Taking this on added to their already busy calendars and required lots of additional travel and preparation. Niether one of them every complained and said more than a few times how much they enjoyed being out with kids and teaching electrical safety! We truly could not have done this without them and they should be recognized as stellar examples of what it means to serve in our organization!”

“When James Webber took on a new role at Chelan County PUD earlier this year, we NCESD had some big shoes to fill. Terri Goveia and Kathy Anderson stepped into the gap in a big way. They carried the majority of our remaining contracted days for electrical safety presentations across the region. Not only did they take the lead in facilitating most of the presentations, they updated the lessons, adding a GLAD flavor, and trained the rest of the Student Success and Learning team to assist in delivering the material. They have been both team players and servant leaders in this work. Thank you Terri and Kathy.”

“Some people serve others in ways that are loud and easy to spot. Others do it in the steady, meaningful ways that hold a team together. This staff member has a remarkable ability to make coworkers feel seen, respected, and supported in the work they are doing. She is consistently willing to step in, help out, and offer encouragement in ways that make a real difference. Her service is not performative; it is genuine, people-centered, and deeply felt by those around her. In a workplace where everyone is balancing so much, she brings not only support, but also humanity. She helps create an environment where people feel valued and capable, and that kind of impact cannot be overstated. Through her kindness, responsiveness, and commitment to others, she reflects the very best of what it means to serve. For the countless ways she serves others, our agency, and embodies what our agency stands for, I am proud to nominate Molly Naff for the Serve award.”

“Hunter has been dedicated in our region with school safety and threat assessments. She has lead more trainings than any of her job alikes across the state, building the capacity of our teams to respond thoughtfully and effectively in support of students. She partners well with other teams and departments to consistently go above and beyond to ensure students and school communities are safe. Her commitment, leadership, willingness to serve, and focus on doing what’s right for students truly embody the spirit of this award.”

Support Awards

These awards are given to NCESD staff members who provide assistance, resources, and services that enhance the overall educational experience and outcomes in our regional school districts and beyond. This support can take various forms and may include: professional development, curriculum development, technical assistance, data analysis and assessment, special education services, grant writing and funding assistance, and collaboration and networking.

Joe Fox

Desktop Support Technician

Maurita Andrews

Speech Language Pathologist

Marc Anderson

Accounting Assistant

Ava Giacomazzi

Statewide ESD/AESD Bicycle Education Project Manager

Jesse Horwath

MASH Board Certified Behavior Analyst

“Every organization needs someone who can stare down a tech problem that makes the rest of us want to close the laptop and quietly walk away. For us, that person is Joe Fox. In his tech support role, Joe consistently takes on challenges that would intimidate most people and handles them with professionalism, patience, and a calm willingness to help. He does more than fix problems. He brings order to chaos, reassurance to frustration, and support to anyone lucky enough to end up on his radar when something goes wrong. Joe’s work keeps things moving, but his attitude is what truly stands out. He makes people feel helped, not helpless, and that kind of support has a lasting impact. For the skill, dependability, and heart he brings to supporting others every day, I am proud to nominate Joe Fox.”

“I am pleased to recommend Joe Fox for the NCESD Support Award. Joe consistently demonstrates what “support” means within our agency by providing dependable, responsive technical assistance that enhances the educational experience across multiple school districts we serve.

Joe goes beyond day-to-day troubleshooting to ensure staff and educators have reliable access to the tools and systems they need. His proactive approach minimizes downtime and keeps operations running smoothly, directly supporting instruction and student services. He works effectively across districts, building strong relationships and delivering clear, practical guidance that helps users feel confident and supported.

In addition to his regular responsibilities, Joe is always willing to step in on short notice to support NetServ team projects wherever help is needed. His flexibility and teamwork make him an invaluable resource, especially during high-demand periods or critical deployments.

Joe’s professionalism, initiative, and commitment to service truly set him apart. I strongly recommend him for the NCESD Support Award, as his contributions reflect the spirit and impact this recognition is meant to honor.”

“I am nominating Maurita Andrews under Support because she has been a constant source of guidance for me. This past year, she has especially supported me as I transitioned back into working in the schools. She brings a wealth of knowledge and always provides thoughtful, positive feedback. She is consistently available when I need support and has been incredibly helpful in guiding me through challenging situations and developing goals.

Her wisdom and experience truly stand out, and she goes the extra mile to ensure I fully understand. Her support has made a meaningful impact on my growth and confidence.”

“Across North Central Washington, there is an individual who has become a trusted, go-to resource for districts navigating complex financial and operational challenges. When issues arise or capacity is stretched, this person consistently steps in to provide steady, reliable support.

This individual consistently provides exceptional technical assistance, problem-solving, and hands-on support that strengthens district operations. Their expertise in district reconciliation has supported multiple districts across our region—including Wahluke, Mansfield, Manson, and Warden—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and confidence in financial systems.

What truly sets this individual apart is their immediate responsiveness and adaptability. When districts face urgent needs, they step in—without hesitation and without recognition. During periods of critical staffing shortages, this person provided continuity of leadership-level support, stepping in to assist both Waterville and Lake Chelan School Districts when they were without a Business Manager. Their presence ensured stability during times that could have significantly disrupted operations.

Their support goes beyond financial systems. Whether assisting with operational needs like supporting a computer room or troubleshooting urgent issues, they meet districts wherever the need exists—always focused on solutions, always focused on service.

At the same time, this individual carries a significant workload of their own—serving as a Business Manager, providing Accounts Payable support, and contributing to NCESD operations—yet still makes themselves available to others across the region. Their work strengthens not only systems and processes, but also relationships and trust.

They embody NCESD’s commitment to support by providing the resources, expertise, and partnership that allow districts to succeed—often behind the scenes and always without hesitation.

It is with great respect and appreciation that I nominate Marc Anderson for recognition in the SUPPORT category.”

“Ava Giacomazzi has demonstrated outstanding leadership in an exceptionally short time, making a significant impact as a new member of our team. In less than a year, she has taken on complex responsibilities with confidence and consistency, supporting not only our ESD but partners across the state.

Ava is a strong and effective advocate, always working to ensure the best interests of our ESDs are represented. She leads critical conversations with key partners, including Cascade Bicycle Club and WSDOT, with professionalism and clarity, helping to keep projects aligned and running smoothly.

Her willingness to take on challenges head-on sets her apart. Ava approaches her work with attention to detail and strategic insight—she anticipates needs, reads between the lines, and ensures that nothing is overlooked. Her thoroughness and follow-through inspire confidence in both colleagues and partners.

Just as notable is Ava’s consistently positive attitude and respectful demeanor. She brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset to every interaction, fostering strong relationships and a productive working environment.

Ava Giacomazzi exemplifies leadership through her initiative, advocacy, and ability to navigate complex partnerships with poise. She is highly deserving of recognition in this category.”

“Every workplace needs someone who can make people feel included, challenged, and somehow a little happier all at the same time. Jesse has a way of doing exactly that. He brings others into conversations, asks the hard questions that actually matter, and creates the kind of dialogue that helps people feel heard, valued, and encouraged. He has a gift for promoting those around him, not by taking over the room, but by making the room better for everyone in it. That is a rare kind of service. He brings heart, honesty, and connection into his interactions, and the impact of that is felt by everyone lucky enough to work with him. For the joy, thoughtfulness, and authentic care he brings to serving others every day, I am proud to nominate Jesse Howarth.”

“Jesse is always stepping up to assist the team with making data collection sheets, covering absences, collaborating on problems of practice, or providing a good laugh to the whole group!”

Extraordinary Teamwork Awards

These awards recognize NCESD staff members who have worked together to impact the internal processes within the NCESD or the districts we serve.

ISC Student Team

Over the past year, the ISC Student Team has continued to support our districts using both SMS 2.0 and Qmlativ while successfully migrating districts from SMS 2.0 to Qmlativ. This work has included guiding districts through extensive data cleanup in SMS 2.0, training users to effectively navigate and perform their responsibilities within Qmlativ, and dedicating significant time to data validation, process development, and collaboration with district vendors to ensure seamless integration of third-party systems. As a result, each district’s transition to “Go Live” has resulted in clean, accurate, and a functional software transition.

By the end of July 2026, the team will have completed 12 district migrations, plus built three additional district databases in Qmlativ. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the team’s consistent dedication to supporting districts, maintaining dual-platform expertise, and delivering ongoing training across both SMS and Qmlativ modules.

Collectively, the team facilitated more than 200 training sessions between August 2025 and June 2026. Their continued commitment to LEADING customers, SERVING districts, and SUPPORTING users demonstrates a high level of professionalism and impact, and they are truly deserving of recognition for their outstanding work.

  • Teresa Cook
  • Irena Beebout
  • Stacy Kostelnik
  • Suzette Ellis
  • Teresa Reyes
  • Deanne Erickson
  • Amber Valdez

ESIT Motor Team

This team has incredible knowledge, patience and perseverence. They travel to homes all throughout our region, and provide families and children with high quality service in the areas of feeding, gross motor, fine motor, adaptive and sensory development. They do this while considering and meeting the varied needs of the families all while navigating a complex schedule of appointments, travel and paperwork! But that’s not all! Additionally, they provide training and consultation for our ESIT team and community members and one team member (Thank you Jill) agreed to be a “superuser” to mentor and train other staff with our new Electronic Medical Record system! This is truly and exceptional team with strength, grace, knowledge and above all caring! Thank you motor team!

  • Jannel Burton
  • Jill Moon
  • Natalie Geisler
  • Nicole Lyman

SAP Team

It’s hard to adequately summarize the true amazingness of our Student Assistance Professionals and the incredible work they do every day in their buildings. Serving students in a meaningful, engaging, and empathetic way is truly at the heart and mission of everyone on this team.

Building staff and admin, for example, regularly share their gratitude in having their S.A.P. and the positive impact they see from the services they provide. Students themselves consistently report an improved sense of well-being, healthier ways to manage difficulties, and an appreciation in taking part in the program. In fact, many students go on to refer peers who may also need support, reflecting the sincere trust and respect students feel toward their S.A.P. and the services they provide.

These outcomes are such a testament to this team’s ability to consistently meet students where they are: without judgment and with sincere compassion and regard.

We could not be more proud of this team and their innumerable contributions to their students, families, and districts.

  • Destiny Romero-Williams
  • Leigh Allison-Ray
  • Lesa Eiffert
  • Dylan Kling
  • Beidit Mago
  • Arely Nunez
  • Maddie Sanchez
  • Armando Davila
  • Susan Hinger

Years of Service Awards

In addition to the awards above, employees celebrating milestone anniversaries at the NCESD were recognized during the event. Congratulations to the following team members who make the NCESD what it is!

5 Year Anniversary

  • Gaby Fernandez
  • Liz Williams
  • Adrian Chavey
  • Marc Anderson
  • Stephanie Andler
  • Hunter McLeod
  • Emily Bushouse
  • Madison Meyer
  • Stefan Troutman
  • Kerry Sotherlund
  • Stephanie Reynolds
  • Susan Hinger
  • Arely Nunez
  • Francisco Anaya
  • Lysbeth Romero
  • Jan Dosh
  • Sheila Salmon
  • Crystal Fickey
  • Shelby McDonald
  • Ana Bernal

10 Year Anniversary

  • Irena Beebout
  • Cody Leatherman
  • Linda McKay
  • Frank Pecka
  • Andy Boyd
  • Will Borders

15 Year Anniversary

  • Lesa Eiffert
  • Julia O’Donnell
  • Heather Small

20 Year Anniversary

  • Suzie Morrison

25 Year Anniversary

  • Pete Phillips

Retirements

  • Mary Christle

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NCESD Staff Awards Luncheon 2026

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