Commack Preschool Teacher Nominated For National LifeChanger Award

COMMACK, NY — A Commack early childhood educator has been nominated for a national award recognizing school employees who make a lasting impact on students and their communities.

Ashley Palmer, a Universal Preschool head teacher at The Suffolk Y JCC Early Learning Center in Commack, was nominated for the 2025-2026 LifeChanger of the Year Award, a national recognition program honoring exceptional K-12 educators and school employees.

Palmer was nominated by Jennifer Hagemann, the parent of one of her former students, who praised Palmer for helping her daughter, Kayla, grow during a critical developmental year.

“Miss Ashley made an extraordinary impact on my daughter, Kayla, during one of the most important developmental years of her life,” Hagemann said. “As her Pre-K teacher, she provided far more than academic instruction. She helped build Kayla's confidence, independence, and social skills, laying the foundation for her future success.”

Hagemann said Kayla had been a “COVID baby” with limited experience in daycare or structured classroom settings before entering Pre-K. Because Hagemann worked remotely during the pandemic, much of Kayla’s early childhood was spent at home with family. The transition into Pre-K was difficult at first, especially as Kayla adjusted to unfamiliar adults and a larger group of peers.

“Miss Ashley met these challenges with patience, understanding, and genuine compassion,” Hagemann said.

Hagemann said Palmer made learning fun and engaging while encouraging Kayla to step outside her comfort zone, try new arts and crafts projects, explore her creativity and build friendships with classmates.

Palmer also worked closely with Kayla on foundational skills, including learning her full address, memorizing her mother’s phone number, improving her handwriting and mastering the alphabet before the end of the school year.

“Her commitment to ensuring each child reached important milestones reflected her professionalism and excellence as an educator,” Hagemann said.

Hagemann said Palmer led by example and helped students learn how to treat one another with respect.

One example cited in her nomination was Palmer’s effort to organize a Pre-K prom for her students. After advocating for the event for several years, Palmer was able to bring it to life, creating what Hagemann described as a cherished memory for many families.

“More than a year later, my daughter still talks about that special night with excitement and joy,” Hagemann said. “Ms. Palmer understands that creating meaningful childhood memories is just as important as teaching academic skills, and she went above and beyond to give her students an experience they would never forget.”

By the end of the school year, Hagemann said, Kayla’s growth was clear.

A child who had once struggled with separation and social interaction was able to stand on stage before a crowd to sing and perform at an end-of-year ceremony. She had also formed friendships, embraced new experiences and developed the confidence to participate fully in school life.

“These milestones did not happen by chance,” Hagemann said. “They were the result of Miss Ashley's patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in her students. Miss Ashley changed my daughter's life during a critical stage of development, and the skills, confidence, and love of learning she instilled continue to benefit Kayla today.”

Palmer’s nomination shines a spotlight on the role early childhood educators play in helping children build the confidence, independence and social skills needed for future success.

“From helping her learn foundational academic skills to creating unforgettable experiences like the Pre-K prom, Miss Ashley demonstrated the qualities of a true LifeChanger,” Hagemann said. “She is exceptionally deserving of this award.”