Every week, we shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! This week, meet Brooke Anderson, speech-language pathologist at Everett Elementary School.
“Brooke is one of the best, most encouraging human beings I've ever met. She treats every student with love and dignity and every adult as a respected and celebrated equal. With the temporary absence of our special education coordinator this school year, Brooke has stepped up to support, encourage, and validate every staff member, parent and student that she can, including taking on duties that are not in her job description. She goes above and beyond for everyone she encounters and deserves to be celebrated.” - Mariah Elley, Everett special education teacher
In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am a K-5 speech-language pathologist at Everett Elementary. I serve students with needs in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, augmented and alternative communication needs (AAC), hard of hearing, developmental delays and students with autism.
How long have you worked for LPS?
This is my fifth year!
What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I loved the idea of being able to serve students, potentially K-12, with the schedule of an 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. workday. It was a perfect fit for my growing family!
What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I have really enjoyed forming relationships with both students and staff. It’s hard to believe I’ve already been in LPS for five years, but I’ve been able to serve and work alongside some amazing families and staff members along the way. It’s so rewarding to see student progress and those relationships continue to grow year after year.
In one word, what makes you proud to work for LPS?
Collaboration.
Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I did not attend LPS as a student. I grew up in rural Imogene, Iowa, and attended high school in Shenandoah, Iowa, about 90 minutes east of Lincoln.
What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended both undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Before and throughout my schooling, I worked as a babysitter, waitress, suite attendant and photographer. These various jobs taught me time management, communication with others and how to prioritize tasks, and allowed me to meet and interact with all kinds of personalities. These jobs, my family/rural upbringing and my passion for serving others have shaped me into the person and clinician I am today.
What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I’ve always felt that Lincoln was a big city with a small-town feel. Plus, it’s home to Husker sports! GBR (Go Big Red)!
What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
I have always loved the Winnie-the-Pooh books and cartoons growing up. Pooh was always thinking of his friends, asking questions and finding joy in the ordinary things.
Share a shoutout to a former educator who impacted your life.
Kyan Kirkholm comes to mind as someone who has left an impact on my life, both in high school and life after. He taught all things history in high school, and he made it so fun to learn about. He taught through various ways such as videos, stories, independent work, projects and field trips related to our topic. The projects were a lot of work, but it really helped tie in all we had discussed during the unit. I was even part of a video tribute project for the Sullivan Brothers that got sent to crew members aboard the USS Sullivan! Kirkholm and I still stay in contact to this day.
Do you know an LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!