Branching Minds Hall of Fame

“Amanda interacts with all the students by encouraging them to do the right things on campus and away from campus. She has created several positive incentive activities for students to be recognized for the good work and positive attitudes on campus. She has also provided awards to staff to encourage us as well

— Delicia Leblanc

“Mrs. Amanda Raynor is the definition of generosity. She leads the RESET program at Waco ISD's Parkdale Elementary School. RESET is a program that believes positive reinforcement and emotional intelligence goes beyond any other discipline method. If you ask anyone at Parkdale about Amanda, you will notice, everyone crossing her path has been changed and recharged for good. Amanda has worked for Parkdale for 5 years. Not only is she a behavior specialist and guru for our scholars, she is also an incredible support for all staff. She will go the extra mile for students and coworkers. She has made connections with children through reminding them to believe in themselves. There is a specific story about a scholar she has worked with since his first years in primary. He used to be aggressive and lose control with students and adults. Everyone in school was intimidated by his language and behavior. Yet, Amanda shined light in his life. Not only does she keep track of him in and outside of school, she has changed his life and turned it around. He continues to work on himself better than many adults I have met. The skills Amanda has given him are a gift that will help him through life. She also makes coworkers feel special by checking on them, reminding them they are doing their best, and she will be your shoulder to cry on. She shines light and love everywhere she goes. If you are looking for an extraordinary educator, you have found the one that will go above and beyond for you. Mrs. Raynor deserves this award for leading with love no matter the circumstance.

— Giselle Vento Banda

“She always puts a smile on our faces and we look forward to her daily visits. My students get so excited when they see her come into the classroom, in the hallway, and on the playground. Mrs. Raynor has also helped me come up with ways to manage behavior and reward positive behavior. She goes above and beyond every day and we are blessed to have her on our campus.

— Caroline Williams

“She is amazing working with students who struggle with behavior. She encourages all students and staff and maintains positivity throughout the school.

— Shanda Feind

“Jenna is a Pre-K teacher half of the day, and an RTI leader for the other half. She has trained us to use Branching Minds, and she makes it painless. She has made me so grateful for Branching Minds and the available strategies that specifically target each learning need. She has continued to put student needs as a high priority, and has offered strategies and checked on progress. Jenna has made a difference for my students.

— Jacqueline Bonadonna

“Jenna knows Branching Minds inside and out. She meets with teachers daily to brainstorm interventions (for every area/need, not just reading). She documents the meetings and creates the interventions in Branching Minds so that teachers just have to go in and input information easily. She does all that she can to make it as simple and as easy as possible for teachers, with our students being the ones who benefit the most. She doesn't let anyone slip through the cracks. She is leading the RtI process and supporting it, even with all the changes with Covid. I personally feel like she goes above and beyond! She is an amazing leader and keeps Branching Minds at the forefront.

— Kristin Snyder

“Last year, Jenna and I worked together to completely reimagine our MTSS/RTI process. Jenna worked side by side with me as we recreated the entire process and considered how we would look at the overall health of our system at all levels. We rolled out the plan and Jenna helped explain the details to teachers, including how we would be using Branching Minds and the Insight Surveys. Then, the pandemic hit. As we raced to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students, Jenna was again at the forefront. Her expertise with Branching Minds allowed us to track interventions and keep students and teachers on track. Then, at the beginning of the school year, we learned that we would need to transition all of our reading teachers to classroom teachers. Jenna became the lifeline for teachers, coaching them and helping them track their Tier 2 and other interventions within their classrooms. I cannot emphasize my level of appreciation enough. Jenna makes it possible for me to do my job during this pandemic. Jenna makes it possible for all of us to continue to ensure every student gets what they need. If anyone deserves a spotlight, it is Jenna Blank from Livonia Central School District!

— Jennifer McMahon