Earlier this month, district administrators met to review all the worthy candidates for the district’s support staff of the year award. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce Cumberland’s 2025 Support Professional of the Year, Christina Tomassi, Paraprofessional, North Cumberland Middle School.
In her 4.5 years with the district, Christina has exemplified the highest standards of dedication, professionalism, and compassion in her role. Mrs. Tomassi consistently goes above and beyond to support students and staff. As one teacher shared, “Christina is fully invested in helping every student succeed, not just those on her caseload. She brings a level of care and commitment that makes a real difference in every classroom she supports.” Despite managing a schedule that spans multiple grade levels and subjects, she takes the time to learn each curriculum and collaborate meaningfully with teachers to ensure every student’s needs are met. Colleagues describe her as “a co-teacher, not just a support staff member,” and “the absolute definition of a team player.” Another teacher noted, “Christina never stops – she is always keeping busy, helping wherever she can. Sometimes she’s making copies, sometimes she’s taking a walk with a student who needs a break, but she’s always doing something that benefits a student or a teacher.”
Christina’s compassion is equally recognized. One staff member reflected, “She took a special interest in a student who lost both her mom and grandmother, ensuring she had the support she needed at school and home.” Another shared, “She has shown kindness and sympathy to students experiencing anxiety, helping them overcome their fears.” Her impact extends across the building, a colleague wrote. “She does a fantastic job interacting with all students, not just those on her caseload, allowing all students to feel comfortable asking her for help.”
Christina’s work ethic, empathy, and professionalism make her an invaluable asset to NCMS. She embodies the spirit of collaboration, demonstrates unwavering dedication to students, and enhances the learning environment for everyone she supports. For these reasons, and countless more expressed by her colleagues, Christina Tomassi is most deserving of recognition as Support Professional of the Year.
On behalf of the district, we extend our congratulations to Christina Tomassi and our sincere thanks for all that you do!