Schools

February Difference Makers Announced By Greenwich Public Schools

Difference Maker award recipients are staff members who have made a big impact on the lives of others inside and outside of the classroom.

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones this week revealed the February honorees for "Difference Makers 2.0."

Difference Maker award recipients are staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of GPS classrooms. This year, the school district will be honoring one from each school and one from each district department that are considered "unsung heroes."

The GPS "Difference Maker 2.0" award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day.

Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Honorees are officially nominated by principals and district senior leadership.

2025-2026 Difference Makers 2.0, February 2026

Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Meera Ayyampully, professional assistant, Riverside
  • Jennifer Badillo, social studies teacher, Eastern MS
  • Anthony Belmont, head custodian, North Street
  • Elaine Chiappetta, assistant dean, Greenwich HS
  • Jillian Corey, music teacher, Western MS
  • Jeanine Fasone, administrative assistant, Parkway
  • Karina Fernandez, administrative ast, Julian Curtiss
  • Dominick Franco, HVAC repair & main mech, Central Office
  • Mary Gettings, administrative assistant, North Mianus
  • Sandra Heikel, music teacher, IS at Dundee
  • Christina Kampler, music teacher, Old Greenwich
  • Alison Kistler, kindergarten teacher, Glenville
  • Crystal Kitselman, math interventionist, Cos Cob
  • Leslie Livingston-Alfano, media ast, Hamilton Avenue
  • Carl Marinaccio, professional assistant, Central MS
  • Sabrina Motta, speech teacher, Central Office
  • Ganesh Nair, senior network specialist, Central Office
  • Jaime Powers, accounting coordinator, Central Office
  • Francine Williams, literacy specialist, New Lebanon

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.