Joel Stewart Award of Excellence - Kristi Anders

A cheerleader can be defined as an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of someone or something. If the something is The Westview School, that supporter could very well be our 2019-2020 Teacher Assistant of the Year, Kristi Anders.

Multiple nominations came in from her peers, all highlighting an underlying theme: Kristi is a cheerleader. No matter staff or student, she is a constant source of support and encouragement to our Westview community. Kristi started at Westview as a mom. Her son, Noah, spent four years as a student at The Westview School from the ages of 3 to 7. During that time, an assistant was leaving, and Kristi was asked if she would ever consider working at the school.

“I had no experience except being a mom,” said Kristi, “But I knew these kids, and I felt like I could help.”

And come back she did. As her children became older, Kristi returned to Westview, this time as a Lower Elementary assistant to Julie Walker. Kristi recalls her conversation with Donna Marshall, former Head of School, upon the placement. “She said, ‘I have the perfect person for you.’ She put me with Julie Walker, and the rest is history.”

“My children came first,” said Kristi, “but I always knew that I would come back.”

2020 marks Kristi and Julie’s 5th year working as a team. “I can’t imagine working side by side with anyone else,” said Kristi. “We were a perfect fit from the start, just like Donna said.”

Julie Walker shares the sentiment. “She’s an amazing assistant. She works so hard for our kids, and she loves them deeply.” Julie adds with a smile, “And, she’s the best work wife ever.”

Julie isn’t the only Westview staffer who sings Kristi’s praises.

Another staffer had more of the same to say: “Kristi is a leader, teacher, mentor, helper, and a soft place to land for both her students and co-workers. She truly shows that we are her Westview family.”

“Kristi is a great cheerleader and encourager,” said one Westview staffer, “always doing all she can to help her students and going above and beyond for her co-workers, too.”

It was a special day when Kristi received her award. During the lockdown in late spring, Donna Marshall showed up at

Kristi’s home with balloons and an envelope filled with kind words from her co-workers.

“It was amazing,” said Kristi. “Donna made sure to include Noah in the pictures because he was an important part of the journey, too.”

“When you work here, you never work towards [an award],” said Kristi. “You do your job and love your kids, and getting recognized for that is just icing on the cake.”