I love being in the classroom, witnessing the children's growth and their milestones. Supporting others has always brought me fulfillment.”

Bree Paananen

Every student in our district deserves the best opportunities to thrive and grow! Many children have these opportunities come to life through our incredible Special Education program in ISD 200. Thanks to a dedicated team of exceptional staff members, our special education department provides programs and resources to support community members from birth to age 21.
One standout among them is Ms. Bree Paananen, a talented paraprofessional who joined the LEAP classroom at Pinecrest Elementary last year. Bree's favorite part of her job is watching students achieve their goals. “I love being in the classroom, witnessing the children's growth and their milestones. Supporting others has always brought me fulfillment,” she shares.
Living in Hastings, Bree is excited for her daughter to attend ISD 200 schools one day. She feels fortunate to work in the LEAP program, where she can observe her sister, who has Down syndrome, in the classroom. “I’m continually impressed by the positive experiences my family members have had in Hastings' Special Education classes over the years,” she says.
We are grateful for Bree’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for our students. When she’s not supporting her amazing kids, Bree enjoys spending time with her family and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts.
Thank you, Ms. Paananen, for your dedication to helping our students grow!