3 MIN READ

Values Ambassador Spotlight: Jennifer Tindal

Nominated by: William Zuiss

Value: Excellence

Jennifer’s team relies on her dependability, even if they haven’t asked for it yet. With a see-a-need, fill-a-need mentality, she’s proactive in helping keep students and staff safe. She doesn’t wait to be asked but instead steps in to support and lead staff as necessary.

“When she enters the room, the environment just changes for the better,” William Zuiss, Heartspring’s adapted physical education teacher says. “She sets the example for what’s possible when others take on leadership responsibilities, even if it’s not in their job description.”

When Jennifer first started as a paraprofessional in the Heartspring Therapeutic School, she had previous experience working in a local day-only high school special education classroom. However, she quickly learned that our students depend on staff more than a traditional SPED program.

“It's more than just a school. It's a teaching lesson for life.” - Jennifer Tindal

The residential program within our school cares for children 24/7. We serve children aged 5-22, and every child's needs and experiences shape how we inform our care.

At Heartspring we address students’ challenges by utilizing what they already excel at. Everyone has different strengths, and it’s important that we personalize a student's care and learning to their unique needs. For example, teaching a child to learn to read or use the bathroom by themselves are entirely different tasks but both are vitally important for students’ wellbeing and helping them achieve greater independence. At Heartspring, our students’ education doesn’t stop at the end of the school day.

“You have a bigger role,” Jennifer says. “These kids rely and depend on you to accomplish things we might take for granted. We help students learn how to clothe, feed, and bathe themselves.”

Caring for our students might be a skill that comes naturally to Jennifer, but she’s also exceptional at taking the time to understand them as individuals. She’s focused on keeping kids happy and safe, putting smiles on their faces, and assisting them in overcoming challenges.

“She is the ultimate team player and positive force for our students,” Brad Olson, her classroom teacher says. “As a teacher and fellow co-worker, I rely on her expertise and her tireless dedication.”

Jennifer may be an excellent staff member, but she knows she can’t accomplish everything on her own.

“The team members I work with are just one in a million. I am very fortunate to be in the room I am in," Jennifer says.

She acknowledges that everyone in her classroom adds a layer of trust and understanding to the work they help students achieve in the school. From her lead para and those with more experience to the newest person on the team, they all provide support and adapt to shifting needs and priorities.

There’s no such thing as having too much communication. In the classroom, staff rely on nonverbal communication as much as spoken words in their rapport. Facial expressions, eye contact, and body language all play a role in how the team functions together. Even if you think you know the answer, asking questions and verifying information provides continued clarity. Additionally, she shares how important listening is, even if a student uses an augmentative or alternative (AAC) system or mumbles and jumbles words.

As for being a good team member, Jennifer encourages others to be kind, ask questions, have patience, and keep trying.

“Do things without being asked and see where it gets you,” Jennifer says. “I’m not saying it’s easy, but the benefits are awesome.”

Jennifer's example shows how everyone can be a leader. Stepping up to take responsibility for a situation, listening with empathy, and being proactive with mistakes can turn a good team member into a great one — maybe even the next Heartspring Values Ambassador.