Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude are proud to announce the 1st nominee for the Women of Inspiration series 2013-2014:
Monica Mankowski
Since moving to Fort McMurray in the early 80’s with her husband, Monica has been a tireless supporter of the children of the Wood Buffalo Region. She began teaching in the Fort McMurray Catholic School District but quickly realized that students with special needs held a special portion of her heart. Mankowski is now Deputy Superintendent-Inclusive Education with the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools.
Monica is a woman of bold leadership .She was a part of a group that travelled the province looking for examples of pre-kindergarten programming that was incorporated into the FMCSD programming. Finding nothing that truly fit the vision for EEP, she led a small group within the District and created the program from step one. The result is a leading edge program that has a solid educational base that prepares hundreds of young students for kindergarten each year. This gain for Fort McMurray children was led by her bold approach to expand the number of EEP classes in the schools based on the public need instead of budget restraints.
Monica’s strong dedication to special needs children is endless. She works tirelessly to support the parents and the child to find the best placement or program. She advocates for special needs children around the province, sharing the FMCSD success stories as well as the trials and tribulations. She annually writes program proposals requesting essential funding to continue programming or introduce new funding to support children. She boldly ignores the first rejection and persistently will fight for what is right for children.
Monica also promoted and developed the Sensory Rooms in schools. Many children require a space in school where they can desensitize or calm themselves from the stress and anxiety they might be experiencing. The sensory rooms are very successful.
The vision, creativity, initiative, drive and leadership of Monica Mankowski has brought about positive change in Fort McMurray. If it is right for children, Monica will be there supporting it in any way she can. She is an advocate for her staff and everyone feels a part of a team doing great work for children in the community. Monica is a leader of leaders.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude will honour Monica and 11 other nominees, at the Women of Inspiration Celebration which will take place May 31st 2014.
The Women of Inspiration is a partnership between Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Syncrude, with a goal to recognize women throughout the Wood Buffalo region who inspire others, break new ground or old barriers and help create change. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live right here.
For more information about the Women of Inspiration series, please visit our Women of Inspiration page or contact the Girls Inc. office at 780-790-9236.
0
0