# data[].attributes.body
Click + in the lower right corner.

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, as someone who has been around in special education since the late 80's I want you to know how much respect I have for what you have done to support and lead us. Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement. Enjoy what comes next for you!! Kristy Williamson

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Wishing you joy, peace and lots of chocolate in your retirement. It has been a pleasure working with you and now it is time for both of us to move on to the next step.

Wishing you the very best in retirement,

Marcia

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, you have been a steadfast leader and supporter of special education at our AEA! I appreciate all you have done to help us, especially during the pandemic. May your retirement be full of all you love! Sarah LeClair-Jones

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, congratulations on your retirement! You have done a great job leading CRAEA!

~Larissa Treloar

# data[].attributes.body
It has been a pleasure working with you. Hope you find time in retirement to make even more delicious treats! I can’t wait to hear all about your travels.

Best wishes,

Sarah Nelson

# data[].attributes.body
Best wishes to you in your next season of life! Thank you for your amazing leadership at Central Rivers! You will be missed!

Elizabeth Luttrell

# data[].attributes.body
The knowledge you have acquired and share so freely with us made such a positive impact. We hope your next adventure is filled with relaxation!

Wendy Johnson

# data[].attributes.headline
Congratulations Amy! Thank you soooo much for all your guidance. You will most definitely be missed!-Liz Ascherl

# data[].attributes.subject
Congratulations Amy! Thank you soooo much for all your guidance. You will most definitely be missed!-Liz Ascherl

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Well done on an amazing career. You have been the go-to for answers since my arrival six years ago. You have weathered COVID and this crazy 4 months of changes to the AEA system with grace. You have finished a lifelong career guiding us through some of the most difficult times in education ever. Retirement is well deserved. May your time with grands be amazing and may you find time to fill your bucket!

Thanks for being a fearless leader through times when there were no answers. You are loved and appreciated!

Chris Hageman

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you the best in your next adventure and the time you get with your grandkids. If you miss some of AEA team reps and PT - we are just around the corner (there area a few of us in Ames).

Delann

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you a retirement full of all your favorite things!!!!!!! You have been a fearless leader, great listener, and amazing advocate for students and staff. Enjoy yourself in whatever life brings you next! Appreciate you!

Jenni Cooper

# data[].attributes.body
Amy - Thank you for all your contributions and special education leadership. You have modeled strength, advocacy, transparency, connectivity, and a sense of calm throughout some challenging times over the years. Best wishes to you in the retirement life space...enjoy! Perhaps our paths will cross again at the T.J. Maxx in Ames.

Kandi

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for being so approachable and relatable. No one will ever be as awesome as you. Cheers to the next chapter, and raise some hell at the Capitol for us, will ya?! Enjoy your retirement and all the freedom that comes with it - you've earned it!

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, Congratulations on 24 years of dedication to the AEA and Special Education! You have been our biggest cheerleader and supporter. I can't thank you enough for the opportunities you have provided and your leadership.

Best Wishes-

Jen Schmitt

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Congratulations on your retirement! I don't even know where to start. Thank you for all the support over the years and for helping me become the team rep that I am today. You are truly one of the best people I have ever known and your guidance will be missed for years and years to come. Wishing you nothing but happiness and relaxation in your next adventures! Please stay in touch!

Tara Davis

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement!

Marie Conklin

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement Amy! Thank you for your leadership!

~Larissa Treloar

# data[].attributes.headline
Amy~ You have led with grace, humility, and have a wisdom that others respect and strive to achieve in our educational journey.  I hate to see you leave, and will miss your leadership deeply!  You are the GOAT of Special Education!! ~ Farrah 

# data[].attributes.subject
Amy~ You have led with grace, humility, and have a wisdom that others respect and strive to achieve in our educational journey.  I hate to see you leave, and will miss your leadership deeply!  You are the GOAT of Special Education!! ~ Farrah 

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you so much for your work, support and dedication to special education. Wishing you all the best for your next adventure! Tasha Miller

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you Amy for all the hard work you have put in over the years. As a direct service provider I appreciate the leadership you gave. I am wishing you the very best!

Crystal Klahsen

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for your years of dedicated leadership, Amy. It was a great privilege learning with you at Central Rivers. Our agency is better because of you. May your future be blessed with opportunity, smiles, and joy. Best wishes! 🌟Kelly G

# data[].attributes.body
So happy for you! I wish you the best in retirement. Enjoy it! :-)

Lori Kurt

# data[].attributes.body
Amy has been the rock of special education for the Agency. She is always ready to problem solve or give her professional opinion or advice on different areas of our work. I loved it when Amy started her "Wednesdays with Amy". It was all about open communication and support. Amy, you will be missed!

Anna Crenshaw

# data[].attributes.body
Best wishes in your retirement, Amy! Thank you for your leadership at Central Rivers AEA. Enjoy your next adventure!

Darla Sharar

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, thank you so much for all your words of wisdom as you trained me in our "dungeon" office. I'm a better school psychologist for all your help and patience. Take care and please know you will be missed. - Marc

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement, Amy! Thank you for all your support and guidance over the years.

Heather M

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

It has been a pleasure to work with you throughout my career at CRAEA. This year it has been especially helpful as I transitioned to a new role.

Your passion and expertise will be missed.

Hannah Hanson

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you so much for all that you have done for students and their families over the past 24 years here at CRAEA. And a special thank you for everything you've done for all of us that work at CRAEA this year in the way of advocacy and your commitment in fighting for us. Your hard work and dedication has been so appreciated.

I want to wish the very best and pray that you you will be blessed grately in the next journey that life takes you on. I hope your retirement is filled with much joy, laughter, peace, and lots and lots of exciting adventures:-)

Joyce Johnson

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for being a compassionate leader for our learners and for us. Your dedication is much appreciated and will be missed greatly. I hope retirement brings you lots of joy and peace.

Sara O'Brien

# data[].attributes.body
You have been a top-notch director of special education for Central Rivers. Thank you so much for your leadership, compassion, and encouragement through the years. Please enjoy your well-deserved retirement doing whatever you want to do....you have certainly earned it!! Best wishes to you!

Ryan Robison

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

THANK YOU for all you have done, not only for our agency as a whole, but specifically for our PT discipline. You asked the questions to learn more about our challenges and needs and we never had to question your support. Thank you for your advocacy throughout the years. You will be incredibly missed. Wishing you the best in your retirement!

Jaime Harris

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a special education director. Thank you for being my Viterbo advisor. Thank you for answering my questions! I hope you can relax in your retirement, especially after this last year!

Sadie Terpstra-Schwab

# data[].attributes.body
I love that you are going on safari. Enjoy the elephants and tigers. After that, you can soak up the love of your grandbabies and rest. Wishing you happiness! Amy Pearson

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations Amy! Wishing you the very best in your new chapter! Enjoy, relax and do what you want! Thanks for all you have done in education!

Laura Rinnels

PS Stay out of trouble or we can put you back in our fake jail LOL

# data[].attributes.body
You have been an awesome Director and we all appreciate what you have done for us: listening, zooms, organizing, explaining, procedures, etc. etc. etc. Your skills have been valued throughout the AEA by all the special education staff! Enjoy, have fun, and relax! Sherry Millang

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you the most amazing retirement! Thank you for your support! Congratulations! Now it is time to relax, garden and enjoy time with those you love!

Dana Harskamp

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you all the best!

Tina Halverson

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on such a well deserved retirement. You have worked tirelessly for the kids (I remember you always saying "its all about the kids") and you have been a wonderful leader. Thanks for all you have done and ENJOY!

Lydia

# data[].attributes.body
I can't begin to describe the appreciation I have for you and the teamwork that you fostered while working with you these past 5 years. I'm so thankful to have experienced your knowledge, straightforwardness, and friendship. I (and my boys) will also miss the birthday pies as your baking skills stand out. Enjoy retirements, Amy. You deserve it! -- Jen Sigrist

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you Amy for all your leadership. You will be missed! Enjoy retirement!

Stacy

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Congratulations on your retirement. Job well done. I will certainly miss you. Thank you for all of your help with my questions. You have been an amazing advocate for CRAEA. What will we do without Wednesdays with Amy?

# data[].attributes.body
Amy-

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with you over the past years, even as our roles and responsibilities were very different you have always been very approachable and made me and what I do feel important. You have always been so friendly and made me feel at ease talking with you. Thank you for all you have and continue to do to support staff and our work!

I wish you much JOY and HAPPINESS in the next chapter of your life adventure!

Blessings to you!

Christy Diemer

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, Thank you for helping make my first year at CRAEA amazing. I loved listening to your Wednesdays with Amy where I gained so much insight into my new role. Your commitment to Central Rivers AEA and to all students receiving high quality special education services is a true testimony to your dedication and educational legacy. Thank you for remaining steadfast to what is best for kids in an especially trying year.

Congratulations and enjoy every aspect of your retirement.

Cindy Zimmerly

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Thanks for all you have done to help all of us! We will miss you very much.

# data[].attributes.body
Jane Murphy

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Your leadership as the Special Education Director for Central Rivers has been superb. Thank you for taking the time in your busy schedule to have the Amy Wednesday Morning/Afternoon meetings - they truly have been informative and appreciated. I wish you the very best in your retirement! You will be missed.

Sarah Wessels

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for pouring in your heart and soul to help all student be successful in life. Best wishes on your next journey in life!

Jill Steele

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, Congratulations on your retirement 👏🏻🎉🙌🏻All of your hard work and dedication to our Agency has not gone unnoticed!! Thank you for your leadership and commitment in guiding us to serve children and their families over the years!

I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with you over my many years with the AEA; first as my RA and then as the Executive Director of Special Education. You have always been so wise and kind and have helped me a lot over the years! Wishing you the best as you transition to the next chapter in your life’s journey! Enjoy your retirement 🩷

In love and friendship,

Linda Rosenboom

# data[].attributes.body
Congrats Amy! Thank you for your many years of leadership and support! I have so enjoyed having the opportunity to learn from you. Your dedication to supporting staff as we all work together to support students, families, teachers, and all school staff will be greatly missed. I wish you all the best as to transition to retirement! I hope you are able to enjoy a retirement of making memories with family and friends while doing all the things you enjoy!

All the best to you,

Sarah Holden

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you all the best on your next adventure in retirement, Amy! Thank you for your leadership for AEA staff and your commitment to serving schools, families, and students! -Molly Johansen

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Thank you so much for all you have done for Central Rivers AEA. Your support and encouragement is very much appreciated. I remember sitting next to you at one of our SLP meetings and asking you how long you have worked for the AEA and what was your role. You were so humble and down to earth. I was so embarrassed when I later realized you were the Executive Director of Special Education. I still laugh when I think about it.

I hope your next adventure is fulfilling and enjoyable!

Congratulations on your Retirement!

Stacey Davis

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement, Amy!

Your leadership, guidance, and encouragement have meant a great deal. Thank you for always being a source of positivity through some rocky times. You will be missed greatly!

Jodi Johnson, Team Rep

# data[].attributes.body
I remember you, Mary and Hether interviewing me at the old building! So blessed to have worked with you for the last 8ish years. I wish you all the happiness and blessing you can handle! Enjoy your well deserved retirement.

Nicole Heiselman

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you every happiness as you retire, Amy. I've learned so much working with you over the years and have a deep respect for your commitment to children - especially those who are most vulnerable. I will miss working alongside you, consulting you for advice, and having a few laughs. Keep advocating for us from your new station in life. We need you. ❤️

All the best.

Beth

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulation, Amy! I have enjoyed working with you over the years and am grateful for the leadership you have provided. You naturally make people feel welcome, appreciated, and equal.

I know you have touched countless lives during your career and I'm thankful I am one of them.

TAKE CARE & ENJOY!!

Ann Lasher

# data[].attributes.body
Amy --

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement. I am so happy for you to be able to embark on some new journeys and experiences. We will miss your knowledge, skills, and baking (come our birthdays 🎂)!! Wishing you health and happiness.

Karl

# data[].attributes.body
Congrats & best wishes on your future adventures.

Thanks for being one of the best advocates during the most challenging times we endured this year, and thank you for all your years of service and dedication to our schools and students!

You're a change maker, and the agency has BIG shoes to fill in your place. Happy retirement, Amy! :-)

-Contessa

# data[].attributes.body
Amy- There will never be enough "Thank Yous". You have always shown such compassion, committment, and trust in the work we do for kids, families, and educators. I have enjoyed working with you as a Team Rep, for you as an RA, and for you as our Executive Director of Special Education. Your welcoming ways and unselfish support have always been helpful.

May blessings and enjoy your well deserved Retirement!

Brenda Thune

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement, Amy!! Your leadership and guidance in Special Education has supported so many. Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable retirement!

Andrea Raber

# data[].attributes.body
Wishing you much joy in your next adventure! Thanks for supporting us at Central Rivers! Congratulations! Lori Nurse

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Thank you so much for your faithfulness and dedication to helping kids and to our agency. You have lead us through many challenges. Retirement well deserved.

Darcy Sullivan

# data[].attributes.body
Amy, Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your unwavering dedication and leadership in the field of special education. Wishing you joy and happiness in this new chapter.

Julie Sherburne

# data[].attributes.body
Thanks for all your hard work and leadership at CRAEA. You will be missed! Enjoy this next chapter in life and do whatever makes your heart happy!

Melissa Benning

# data[].attributes.body
Your expertise and stead guidance will be greatly missed! You have worked so hard for all of us and more than earned retirement. I wish you the best and hope you enjoy it.

Melanie Belew

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

It is hard to believe this time has come! There is no way to adequately express the deep appreciation that I have for the opportunity to work alongside you for so many years! You will be missed but I know that you will continue to be working as an advocate for children every place you go! Enjoy your travels and your family. I look forward to the next time we cross paths!

Rusti

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Congrats! I wish you the best in your retirement. I hope you have time to relax and travel and enjoy family and friends and good food and beverages!

Take care,

Jody

# data[].attributes.body
I knew your name from "Region 6" YEARS ago, but was so glad to have you as RA in Region 10. We had so many great meetings in the Grundy Hospital Board Room - we felt like Rock Stars! And dang, I miss your cinnamon rolls (and other goodies you made)! Was sad to see you leave that role, but man, what a difference you made as our SED. I looked forward to Wednesdays with Amy and you always made us feel valued. My takeaway from you is a long time ago I came in with a "problem" and I apologized for venting. You asked if I wanted to make a change, and if so, then it's not venting. I have heard that replay over and over in my head since then, and even found myself saying it out loud to others........appreciate you and will greatly miss you! Enjoy doing whatever YOU want to do now!!! :o)

Sherry Reifenstahl

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

I have only interacted with you when things were rocky. You were a calm presence in those IEP meetings, bringing clarity to the whole team and I always knew that you had our backs. Thank you!

May the slower pace, with less responsibility, be filled with joy

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for your leadership and service to all of us at Central Rivers. Your journey definitely had its bumps with every new initiative, not to mention 2024. Thank you for your sense of calm through the storm. I wish you nothing but joy and fulfillment in the next leg of your journey!

God Bless,

Colette Sampson

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for all of your years of service at the AEA. I will always remember the support and advocacy you provided for our agency, and especially our OT department. I hope you find some rest and joy in your retirement! Jen Buseman

# data[].attributes.body
Ashley Samek

# data[].attributes.body
You've been great to work with in the various roles we've been in together, including neighbor. We'll miss your wisdom, strength, and dedication!

Jennifer Reese

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for all the dedication and support you have offered to CRAEA and myself over the years! It has been reassuring knowing you have been here and have had our backs! I hope you can have time to do all the things you enjoy!!

Jennifer Cline

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Your knowledge and support will be deeply missed! Congratulations on your retirement. I wish you the very best!

Take Care,

Tiffany

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

I wish you all the best in your retirement. It is so well deserved. The energy and passion you have put into your job is amazing. You have been an amazing leader. I will miss your knowledge, calmness, and kindness! Enjoy!!!!

Jenni Cooper

# data[].attributes.body
Amy,

Thank you for your leadership the last few years. You have always been so practical, down-to-earth, and supportive of the staff. I have appreciated you!

Linda Schumaker