By Kathryn Coulibaly
For Debby Wolanski, a paraprofessional at Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield and the 2025-26 Bergen County ESP of the Year, her life changed when a member of her family was identified as having special needs.
“By the time I began working in the district, I was very comfortable dealing with social and academic issues for my own family member,” Wolanski recalls. “I felt that I would be a good support for other children and families.”
Fifteen years later, Wolanski still loves her work. She has been assigned to students from first through fifth grades.
“I love being able to come into a classroom and identify what the students need,” Wolanski says. “That can change from one moment to the next. Sometimes, they need help with assignments. Sometimes, they need to take a walk. I like the newness of working with different children every day and seeing what I can do to help them.”
Wolanski, who grew up in Bergenfield and raised her own family in the community, sees the value of the “village” that the school community has become.
“Every morning, I go in and say hello to everyone. I visit with the students with whom I’ve previously worked. I think it’s very important for people to feel seen and valued. We all have a part to play.”
Wolanski spends a lot of time learning new strategies to help students.
“Academics are important, but the social part is so necessary for students, as well,” Wolanski says. “Mindfulness is priceless at times for students.”
Wolanski didn’t anticipate working in education but is glad she landed at Hoover Elementary. “Growing up, I was very family-focused,” Wolanski recalls. “I love being there for people. I’m one of five children. I never thought about working in public education, but I fell into it because of my family member. There was an opening in the district, and it all cascaded from there. But I’m grateful that I am here because I love working with the students and staff.”
Wolanski was aware that her colleagues were nominating her for ESP of the year and was touched by their recognition.
“I’m the longest-serving paraprofessional in the school, so I try to help the new paraprofessionals, the teachers and the students,” Wolanski says. “We’re all a community and we need to work together to help one another and to support the students. However we got into education, we’re all here because we want to be, and I want to be supportive of everyone as much as we can.”
Kathryn Coulibaly writes the monthly ESP column. She is an associate director in the Communications Divison.