Meet the 'Above and Beyond' Staff Recognized at Madison Forward Game

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked staff to nominate their colleagues who go above and beyond for their students, families and communities for special recognition. Here we’re looking at three of those nominees who give their all to make the Madison Metropolitan School District a better place for everyone.

Nayda Gonzalez

For Nayda Gonzalez, honoring different perspectives and understanding the complexities of life are the most important part of the job.

Gonzalez, a school social worker at Leopold Elementary, was recently recognized by her colleagues as a standout educator in MMSD. As part of her role, Gonzalez helps to curate and deliver a positive learning environment so all students can thrive.

“Just listening to families, respecting their opinions and genuinely building a relationship with them is the most important part of the job for me,” Gonzalez said. “It’s crucial to be an advocate for families – helping them access the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

Gonzalez says as a Latina immigrant herself she can relate to the complexity that moving to a new country brings, which are challenges she helps students and families tackle. She said that being able to connect with the students and their families on a personal level, and recognizing them as individuals can make all the difference.

“I’ve had parents call me crying happy tears because they were finally able to get the support they needed after I made a few calls,” she said. “I was just so glad I was able to help her, and be a small part of making their experience at Leopold a good one.”

Her colleagues say that dedication shows every day, simply by being a trusted face in the hallway any student can go to for help.

“It’s super important for me to be the person who can add a little extra support,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a privilege to support our families and students.”

Nick Guerra

Nick Guerra may have been recognized by his colleagues as someone who goes above and beyond for the district, but he wants everyone to know the rest of the team is just as impactful.

Guerra is a facilities maintenance project manager, which basically means he helps the entire district run smoothly. He’s had a hand in everything from implementing software used in every school to renovating playgrounds.

You may not have ever noticed Guerra around the district, but he says that’s a sign of success.

“Hopefully no one ever sees what we do on a day-to-day basis, because if we're doing our job right, then nothing is going wrong,” he said. “It can be as simple as somebody needing to move a heavy object from school A to school B, but it needs to happen quickly — that’s what we are here for.

Guerra’s favorite projects are the ones that get him outside. Especially high on the list is building a new playground.

“Seeing all these kids rush the playground structures has always been a thrill, it just makes me so happy,” he said. “When students can get outside for a couple minutes they’re able to relax and be happy, that’s so important to me.”

Guerra’s kids are in MMSD schools, and is himself an MMSD graduate, so he says he strives to make Madison schools the best. So while the recognition is a little embarrassing, he says he’s proud his team at building services is getting their time in the spotlight.

“All the little stuff that happens is super important, and it can make or break a school day,” Guerra said. “I think we are the best school district around, and so we strive to be the best every day.”

Nelliette Tijerino

Nelliette Tijerino says she feels lucky to have been able to serve Midvale Elementary for 30 years.

Tijerino is a bilingual resource specialist at Midvale, who says the community she works with every day truly feels like a second family. It feels so much like family that she has two godsons and a goddaughter named after her from families she has been able to support.

“I really get to see these families grow — I get invited to high school graduation parties or other events to celebrate our students' successes,” Tijerino said. “I feel like an aunt to my students, as an immigrant myself helping Midvale’s bilingual students is in my heart and my history.”

She goes so far above and beyond for her students, she even helps to find outside resources for anything families might need. From assistance that allows families to stay in their home to Christmas presents for the whole family.

Tijerino has even helped set up a food pantry to help make sure every student is getting the nutrition they need to support cognitive development and learning in school.

“I was that child that needed extra support 40 years ago, so I can relate to these families in so many ways,” she explained. “I want them to be able to just breathe every once in a while, and just feel noticed and cared for.”

Her mother’s motto was to help those less fortunate, and so Tijerino has kept that spirit alive at Midvale. 

“My parents wanted a better life for us, and that’s why we moved to America — it’s the same thing the families I support want,” she said. “I’m very proud of myself and what I’ve been able to accomplish at Midvale.”