Category Archives: learning
Bob Marley was right: “You can’t find the right roads when the streets are paved”
New Raymer may be a small town quite a distance from Fort Collins, but visiting Prairie School was quite worth the road trip!
The students, aged Kindergarten to high school Seniors, were all polite, helpful, supportive, and attentive.
Awesome in Action enjoyed presenting to the lower grades (K-5th), using the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign.
The introduction for Nick, written by 5th grader, Simon, could not have been better! Here Nick is giving Simon “knuckles” after the speech.
The older grade kids helped us arrange their beautiful auditorium in order to experience life from Nick’s point of view in the “Walk in My Shoes” presentation
The students tried out Nick’s speech device by having conversations with their peers using only the assistive technology.
They also read Nick’s book, Helping in Action, and discussed proper disability etiquette.
Finally, the students each tried to get through a door , as well as maneuver around some obstacles, in a manual wheelchair. Here is our dedicated volunteer, Thalia, giving the wheelchair a try after the presentations.
A big Thank You to our new friend, Kaitlyn Birdsall, an amazing teacher who makes the drive every day from Fort Collins to teach in New Raymer; and who entertains Nick’s every whim…including providing him with a “Smelling Hotdog” after the presentations.
We loved spending time with all of the students and teachers of Prairie school! Thank you for inviting us to present to your school!
Judy Tessier- Awesome Advocate
When asked to describe teacher Judy Tessier, Nick hikes his arm up to his speech device and begins typing words like: “Funny, like, teacher, funny, makes laugh, fun.” This is how Nick begins to formulate his raw thoughts as he reflects upon his time working with Judy.
Nick has been so fortunate to meet and watch this dynamic community educator in action. Loveland’s young children are extremely fortunate to have Judy and her cohorts as public educators here.
Judy has worked the last two years at the Monroe Early Childhood center. Judy’s work with children includes teaching both Gifted & Talented groups, as well as Special Education classes.
A 30-year veteran educator (BA-Art Education), Judy taught in Massachusetts until a couple of years ago, and is the person responsible for all of Nick’s crazy costume moments during her literacy events with the Center over the last couple of years!
Judy has been married 31 years, has two grown children and one grandchild, and has lived the last 10 years in Colorado.
What a creative, fun, funny and Awesome Advocate for all children in Colorado!
Judy Tessier making Nick laugh at a Literacy event
Awesome in Action, Co 