For more than two decades, Dennette Kreutzkamp has made a lasting impact on Livingston ESA through her compassion, positivity, and genuine care for the learners and families she serves. As a classroom aide in the PREP Program, Dennette brings warmth and encouragement to her work each day, helping adult learners prepare for their next steps while building relationships that extend far beyond the classroom.

Since joining Livingston ESA in 2002, Dennette has supported learners across multiple programs, spending much of her career in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) before transitioning to adult transition services in recent years. Throughout every stage of her career, one thing has remained consistent: her ability to make people feel valued, supported, and cared for.

“Dennette is the type of person you always want to be around. It is obvious how much she cares about each and every learner she works with, and her passion for her work shines in everything she does,” a colleague shared.

One of the things that makes Dennette so special is the relationships she builds with learners and their families. Her care doesn't end when a learner moves on from her classroom. She continues to check in, follow their stories, and celebrate their milestones long after they are no longer directly in her care. Those lasting connections reflect the genuine investment she makes in the people she meets throughout her work.

Whether she is supporting young learners in ECSE or helping adult learners at PREP develop skills for the future, Dennette adapts to the needs of those around her. She approaches new challenges with patience and flexibility, always willing to step in wherever she is needed. Her positive attitude helps create an encouraging environment for learners and colleagues alike, even on the most challenging days.

“To know Dennette is to experience a literal ray of sunshine,” a colleague shared. “From supporting our youngest ECSE learners to guiding adult learners at PREP, she meets every individual with unfailing patience, deep empathy, and an infectious positive attitude.”

Dennette's influence also reaches her coworkers, many of whom look to her as a trusted teammate, mentor, and friend. She leads by example, sharing her knowledge, helping others learn the ropes, and encouraging those around her to grow. Her willingness to learn and try new things demonstrates that her commitment to education extends beyond the learners she serves to the colleagues who work alongside her.

“Besides being a great employee, she is a team player and a great friend. She is always positive to be around and wants the best for everyone. You can tell that she genuinely cares,” another colleague shared.

For some, Dennette's impact has even inspired them to pursue a career at Livingston ESA.

“Dennette is the reason I applied to LESA in the first place,” a colleague explained. “She is a huge inspiration to me, always showing up with a positive attitude and outlook. Even when the days are rough, she finds the light and brings nothing but joy to the workplace.”

Her dedication, reliability, and kindness have made her an invaluable part of the agency. She brings a steady, encouraging presence to her team and consistently finds ways to support both learners and staff. Her colleagues know they can count on her to approach each day with compassion, a willingness to help, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.

“Dennette brings warmth, joy, and kindness to our team every single day,” a colleague shared. “She is consistently dedicated, responsible, and someone we can always count on. Her positivity, compassion, and skill make a difference in the lives of our learners and staff. If we could clone her, we’d do it in a heartbeat so we could have a Dennette in every classroom!”

After more than 24 years with Livingston ESA, Dennette's impact can be seen in the countless learners she has supported, the families she continues to care about, and the colleagues she has encouraged along the way. Her career reflects the importance of the relationships built in education and the difference one person's kindness can make over time.

Livingston ESA is proud to honor Dennette Kreutzkamp for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to supporting learners and colleagues during the month of October. We are grateful for the warmth, positivity, and genuine care she brings to our agency and the lasting difference she continues to make in the lives of those around her.