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Amy Yoham is often among the first people families encounter at Brookfield Elementary School. Since joining the school in 2020, the office assistant has earned praise for helping students and parents feel welcomed, heard and supported.

Her work made her a finalist for the 2024 Outstanding School-Based Operational Employee award and was highlighted ahead of Administrative Professionals Day on April 23.

Colleagues describe Yoham as a kind, patient and empathetic presence on the front lines of school communication. Before arriving at Brookfield, she spent three years working at Kilmer Center School.

One nominator said Yoham builds relationships that help families understand the importance of education and feel connected to the school community.

That approach is also central to her attendance work. Yoham monitors daily attendance and contacts families when students are absent without prior notice. Colleagues credited her efforts with helping improve Brookfield’s chronic absenteeism rate last year.

During those calls, Yoham discusses the value of regular attendance while listening to parents who may be struggling to get their children to school. She also directs families to resources and contacts that may provide additional support.

A letter supporting her nomination said Yoham handles those conversations with patience, compassion, understanding and humor, leaving parents confident that their children are in good hands.

Her care continues after students enter the building. Yoham especially enjoys walking younger children to class and hearing the candid stories they share along the way. When a student arrives late, she checks whether the child has eaten breakfast and, if needed, takes the student to the cafeteria before class.

Andrew Orenstein, a former supervisor who is now an assistant principal at Twain Middle School, praised Yoham’s combination of organization, attention to detail and interpersonal skills. He called her an invaluable member of Brookfield’s staff and strongly supported recognition of her performance.

Principal Lesley Hassen experienced Yoham’s welcoming nature after arriving at Brookfield in November. Hassen said Yoham’s warmth, support and positive attitude immediately made her feel at home.

According to Hassen, Yoham brings the well-being of Brookfield’s children, teachers and families to every task and interaction—an approach that reflects the spirit of the school community.