Staff Spotlight: Kaylee Sheehey - lead waiver services coordinator in the early childhood department

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Kaylee Sheehey, lead waiver services coordinator in the early childhood department.

“Kaylee is great at establishing relationships with the families she works with. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in assisting our families and connecting them to resources in the community. She encourages our families to celebrate children's progress in meeting their priorities and goals. She is engaging and optimistic with all the families she serves and her colleagues. She is always willing to step in when help is needed in serving the early childhood families and children.” - Maria Eleanor Del Rosario, early childhood supervisor.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
As a lead waiver services coordinator, I help parents of eligible children, ages birth to three, obtain access to early intervention services and link them to resources in the community that might be helpful for their family or the child. I coordinate and monitor early intervention services to ensure the family and child's needs are being met.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Almost two years.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
My son received early intervention services through LPS from the age of six months until he transitioned to Part B services. The support and services my son received made a big impact on his development and helped my husband and me become better advocates for him. Our story inspired me to want to help other families and how I ended up working for Early Development Network through LPS.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
I LOVE my coworkers and our service coordinators team! I enjoy supporting families and teaching parents how to become coordinators of services for their own children in the future. It's been amazing to see how resilient and adaptable kids are through the challenges they face.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I'm from McCook, Neb., and I graduated from McCook Senior High School.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I actually graduated from the College of Hair Design in 2010 and later pursued my bachelor’s in management from Bellevue University. I still hold my cosmetology license through the State of Nebraska.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
Lincoln is a big small town. The Lincoln community is inclusive and a great place to raise a family. 

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“The BFG” by Roald Dahl was the first chapter book I read! It's a great story about building friendships and good always triumphing over evil. The storyline shows young Sophie's resilience and the kind-hearted giant's virtue of kindness against all odds! 

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Shout out to my third grade teacher, Mrs. Dueland! Ninth and 12th grade English teacher, Mrs. Wolford. Both were kind and inspiring and made learning fun! 

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

---