Unsung Heroes who help kids in Washington state

Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.

All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.

Rebecca Souday, Arlington

Rebecca Souday, or Mrs. Souday as our family knows her, is a special education teacher at Arlington High School. She is also my son’s teacher.

Rebecca has three small children under the age of 5, two are twins. Despite the responsibility in her own life, last spring break Rebecca planned a zoo trip for her students and coordinated volunteers. Most educators are catching their breath and focusing on their own families during school breaks. Instead Rebecca created an opportunity for her students, and supported their families as school breaks can be difficult due to the high support needs of their children.

This fall her students attended their homecoming dance because Rebecca volunteered her time and made this possible. As special needs parents we want our children to have the same experiences as their peers, but often that responsibility is placed on us as parents. Having a teacher to support us and our children in this capacity is priceless.

Rebecca is always the first to send the “Hey how is Stage feeling” text when my son is absent from school during illness. As our children get older, we tend to lose the natural support of family and friends. It can get harder for many of us, the gift of Rebecca’s time and her thoughtfulness is a breath of fresh air in a stifling struggle that for many of us parents will never go away. Rebecca Souday is the slice of hope that so many of us hold onto.

Nominator: Jessie Moore