Humans of WISD
Behind each face at WISD, there's a powerful story. In January 2025, Washtenaw ISD launched a special "Humans of WISD" storytelling series.
Inspired by (and with special permission from!) the original "Humans of New York," join us as we uncover what drives our WISD team and why they're passionate about their work in the district and in our community.
Video Spotlights
Meet Jamie January 2, 2026
Jamie Mayo, Assistive and Instructional Technology Coordinator
"I dream of creating a community where every student is valued and plays an active role with their peers. I work to teach students and staff how to implement the assistive technology (AT) tools necessary for our students to have a voice in their community. I really like being able to help kids all over Washtenaw County meet their educational goals using technology"
Meet Tanisha May 23, 2025
Certified Nursing Assistant at High Point School
"I had been working in healthcare for many years and it had taken a toll on my mental health. I really thought that I would never work again. As soon as I stepped into WISD for my job interview though, something in my spirit spoke to me. I just knew it's where I belonged and I haven't looked back."
Meet Heather May 15, 2025
Heather Weaver, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist
"I think the best part is being able to serve. When I was growing up, so much was given to me, and I just feel like it's nice to be able to give back to others."
Meet Christine April 25, 2025
Christine Messer, ERSEA Specialist (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance)
"Head Start has been a blessing to me and I'm grateful it's offered through the WISD. I didn't know that they were making an impact on my life when I was only three years old, but I know now. It’s come full-circle and is a joyful reflection to be able to say, “Head Start did it for me, and now I get to do it for other families.”
Meet Amalia April 7, 2025
Amalia Milla, Teaching Assistant at Progress Park
"Just as I like to grow plants and see them growing, I also like to do that with students in the school, and to do that in my job. I like to help them, to be there to support, to see them growing and be part of the community."
Meet Kenny March 10, 2025
Kenny Nao, Teaching Assistant at the Ann Arbor Young Adult Transition Center
"Students have lots of breakthroughs and victories at Washtenaw ISD, and that's what makes my job awesome and rewarding. Watching them learn more and more – not just about the world, but about themselves as well – is incredible."
Meet Rebecca January 31, 2025
Rebecca Ankeney, Speech-Language Pathologist
"I had a lightbulb moment a few years ago at a conference when I heard a parent ask, "What if we stopped looking at people with disabilities as having special needs? What if we thought of them as having the same needs as everybody else?""
Meet TJ January 6, 2025
TJ Greggs, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
"I feel the need to uplift my community and try to make it better. And try to not necessarily just cover up all the negative aspects, but actually fix it. These young folk need all the help they can get, and we have to dedicate a lot of our time and effort into doing that. We gotta focus in on that, and keep these students on the forefront of why we're here and why we do this."