2 MIN READ
Values Ambassador Spotlight: Alex Kimmel
Nominated by: Bekah Blakely
Value: Leadership
When it comes to possibility, Heartspring Therapeutic School special educator Alex Kimmel doesn't just talk about it — he lives it. He's known for his steady confidence, patient demeanor, and an unshakable belief in his students' ability to succeed — even when others have already decided they won't.
We know that the right environment can make a world of difference for the children in our care. We often get school district paperwork saying a student won't/can't participate in activities. But is it that they won't participate or that they haven't received the support to try?
"He takes challenges as opportunities," Bekah Blakely, a behavior specialist in the Heartspring Therapeutic Residential & Day School, says. "He's always interested in positive what-ifs because we don't know unless we try."
Whether helping a student transition into new spaces or planning community outings to support students with aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, Alex takes a proactive, thoughtful approach. He breaks down big challenges into opportunities for growth for both students and staff.
Jennifer Daugherty, Heartspring Therapeutic School's principal, recalled a particular instance exemplifying Alex's leadership.
"Where others hesitated to respond to a student struggling emotionally, Alex immediately stepped in to ensure the safety of the child and comfort them with patience and empathy," Daugherty said. "Afterward, he debriefed the team members present, turning the moment into a valuable learning experience."
Heartspring teachers run a balancing act between writing IEPs, managing their classrooms, and communicating with interdisciplinary teams, school district professionals, and families. With a fully staffed classroom including a lead paraprofessional, Alex didn't quite know where he fit in at first. For most public school teachers, they don't have a history of supervising others, only managing themselves in a classroom.
"Being a teacher at Heartspring is different than anywhere else," Alex says. "You don't get this much support in a public school, and it makes a huge difference."
Alex ensures everyone on his team has the opportunity to make a difference and utilizes his seat at the table to advocate for his students and staff in his classroom.
"We don't babysit here," Blakely says. "We teach our students and help them grow, so they can be more independent than before they came in."
Alex's positive attitude gives everyone on the team the confidence to keep pushing what's possible for students. Because of his proactiveness, Alex prepares for the worst but performs as if it's the best-case scenario, anticipating needs and offering support.
Alex's leadership isn't loud — it's consistent. He shows professionalism, empathy, and humility, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire team. As Daugherty shared, "He leads by example and earns respect through action." While many at Heartspring demonstrate these values in powerful ways, Alex's ability to inspire confidence in others, collaboratively find solutions, and quietly raise the bar is what makes his impact so meaningful. His recognition as Values Ambassador is not just a celebration of his work, but a reflection of the kind of leadership that helps elevate everyone around him.
