Tri-Valley represented among Alameda County’s Classified Employees of the Year

The Alameda County Office of Education recognized staff from the Pleasanton and Dublin school districts this month among its 2025 Classified Employees of the Year.

From Pleasanton Unified, Harvest Park Middle School’s Lisa Libert took home the accolade in the paraprofessional category and from Dublin Unified, Emerald High School’s Karen Chamberlain won in security services.

An ACOE panel chose these Tri-Valley employees as well as six others in the county for their work in classified, occupational specialties.

Following county-level victory, the winners will be considered by the California Department of Education for State Classified Employees of the Year. Statewide winners are set for announcement in late April. 

“These honorees are undeniably committed and go above and beyond to make sure students have what they need to be successful,” Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro said. “Their essential roles create the safe, supportive, and caring conditions where all students can thrive.”

As a campus supervisor at Emerald, Chamberlain not only takes her work seriously, but also maintains a welcoming demeanor, the ACOE stated in its awards announcement.

“It’s about building relationships, earning trust, and creating a space where students feel seen, heard and protected,” Chamberlain said of her role. “This recognition validates not only my work, but the importance of the role security staff play in fostering a positive school culture.”

Prior to working at Emerald, Chamberlain served as a campus supervisor at Dublin High School for over 15 years. 

“She consistently shows up, builds important relationships, and engages with students, staff, and community members,” the ACOE said. “Her trusted commitment ensures a safe and supportive environment where students can learn and staff can perform their jobs effectively.”

Her role as a valued member at Emerald is bolstered by her involvement in community athletics and students’ lives, including those in the special needs adult transition program.

“Every day, I remind myself that I’m not just showing up to enforce rules, I’m here to support students, create a safe and welcoming environment, and be a steady presence they can count on,” Chamberlain said.

Within PUSD, Libert is considered among the longest-tenured special day class classroom aides, one-on-one aides, instructional assistants and registered behavior technicians. According to the ACOE, she has worked with “moderately-severely challenged” students for over 20 years and has been a registered behavior technician for 18 years.

“This recognition feels like such a meaningful way to close this chapter of my career”, Libert told the Weekly, as she prepares for retirement. “Being acknowledged for doing something I genuinely love is incredibly fulfilling.”

Libert’s work at Harvest Park involves taking students to mainstream classes, such as P.E. and electives, attending to their hygiene and helping them develop life skills.

“I take time to understand what matters to each student, what motivates them, and how they learn best,” Libert said. “It’s about creating a space where every student feels seen, supported, and capable.”

She has also played a vital role in training paraeducators, teachers and administrators for working with students with special needs, the ACOE said. In this, she has been key to the school’s mainstreaming efforts for students with disabilities.

“Her loyalty and dedication to the students, the classroom teachers, staff, and parents of Harvest Park are truly outstanding,” the ACOE said. “She models kindness and respect in everything she does, always keeping students’ needs at the forefront.”

Other employees recognized across the county include Castro Valley Unified School District’s Nancy Mosbaugh in clerical and administrative services, Fremont Unified School District’s Alexandra Lemus in custodial and maintenance services as well as Oakland Unified School District’s Jenny Situ in food and nutrition services, Jaliza Collins in health and student services, Bobby Batom in skilled trades and Peter Bugno in technical services.

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