ASAH, a not-for-profit organization comprised of private schools and agencies that provide highly specialized services to children with disabilities in New Jersey, has awarded two GPA staff members with the organization’s Special Education Professionals of the Year Awards.
Sheri Roseman, a GPA Art Therapist with twenty years of experience at our school, was named ASAH’s Related Services Provider of the Year, and Beverly Thomas-Layton, a GPA Paraprofesional and twenty-year GPA veteran, was named ASAH’s Paraprofessional of the Year.
The Awards were presented at ASAH’s 39th Annual Conference in Atlantic City.
Sheri Roseman
ASAH Related Services Provider of the Year
Ms. Roseman, pioneered the art therapy program at Garfield Park Academy back in 1995. Throughout her years, Ms. Roseman collaborated with community members and brought students and their artwork to numerous art galleries near the school including the Riverton Gallery, Markeim Art Center, Cherry Hill Library and the Virtua Mt. Holly Hospital. The art show at Virtua has evolved into an annual community service event where students continually develop relationships with the Volunteer and Culinary Arts Departments gaining the opportunity to build community connection.
Dr. Steven Morse, Superintendent of Garfield Park Academy, nominated Ms. Roseman for the award. “Sheri has consistently volunteered on school projects that serve and benefit the students and our school,” he stated. “Sheri has an innate ability to motivate students to find their own path to success and offers sincere respect and guidance for each student,” he added.
Beverly Thomas-Layton
ASAH Paraprofessional of the Year
Ms. Thomas-Layton is highly respected by both the staff and students. Ms. Thomas-Layton became certified in the Teaching-Family Model and serves as a Peer Mediator in addition to her role as a classroom paraprofessional. She has also been integral in creating and coordinating extra-curricular programs at the school including the Dance and Drill Team, and Fashion Show, and has engaged the students and staff in fundraising efforts for an annual class trip to New York City and contributions to the American Cancer Society.
“Beverly has been an integral member of the Garfield Park Academy staff and has earned the respect of both the staff and students for her commitment and dedication,” said Dr. Morse. “She has the ability to develop a rapport with her students because of her positive attitude, understanding of their needs and willingness to listen without judgment,” he added.
Congratulations to Sheri and Beverly!
