Duo Cares For School Families' Many Needs: Howell, Brick Heroes

HOWELL, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Dheranie Suarez of Howell, who nominated her co-workers, Michele Stigliano and Michelle Lynn, for their work at Land O Pines School, making sure all need are met.

Where the nominee lives:
Brick and Howell

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Howell

Name of the nominee:
Michele Stigliano and Michelle Lynn

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Dheranie Suarez

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
School Guidance Counselor and School Nurse

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
They work tirelessly during this period of remote learning to collect and organize pantry donations for our Land O'Pines School community. They go into the school twice a week and create care packages for our families in need, whether it be financial or due to COVID-19. They arrange deliveries for those who are unable to pick up their packages at school. While doing all this, they still maintain their usual job duties and support children's mental and medical health remotely. They have now added to that, by supporting parents, guardians, and caregivers alike. Our school families find themselves in better situations because of these two women.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
They are incredibly compassionate and will do anything and everything they can for the children and staff in our school, Land O'Pines. I am honored to work alongside them.

Do YOU have a hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.