Candyce Cortese’s journey to her role as a paraprofessional in the autism classroom at Byron Middle School wasn’t a traditional one. Before joining the district three years ago, Candyce worked in human resources at a nursing home. But when the opportunity to work in education came her way, she took a leap of faith—and it’s a decision that has profoundly shaped her life.

“I didn’t have a background in working with students with autism, so I was nervous at first,” Candyce recalls. “But I fell in love with it immediately. These kids stole my heart.”

In her role, Candyce is part of a close-knit team that includes one teacher and four paraprofessionals who provide one-on-one support to students with autism in grades six through eight. The work is dynamic and deeply personal, focusing on helping students achieve academic, social, and life skills goals.

“It’s a very intimate classroom setting,” Candyce explains. “We develop strong relationships with the students. It’s about trust and understanding, which allows us to help them grow in ways that matter most to them.”

For some students, that growth is academic—mastering long division or understanding grammar. For others, it’s practical life skills like identifying kitchen safety hazards or learning how to navigate social interactions. “Every student is different,” Candyce says. “The key is meeting them where they are and helping them succeed in their own way.”

Candyce likens the experience to taking alternate routes to a common destination. “They might take a different path, but their destination—and their potential—is just as incredible,” she says.

A Byron native, Candyce’s connection to the community runs deep. Raised in the town since she was six weeks old, she’s a proud alumna of Byron Schools. “Coming back to work here feels like coming full circle,” she shares. “I remember the impact my teachers had on me, and it’s amazing to now be in a position to give back in the same way.”

Candyce’s past career also prepared her for the challenges and rewards of working in special education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she received a temporary Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and worked directly with dementia patients, honing her skills in patience, observation, and communication. “That experience taught me how to adapt to different needs and connect with people on a deeper level,” she says.

In the classroom, Candyce applies those lessons daily. Her work often involves interpreting nonverbal cues and understanding the unique ways each student communicates. “Sometimes it’s hard because they can’t always tell you what they need,” she says. “But once you know them, you start to pick up on the little things. It’s all about reading the room and responding in a way that makes them feel comfortable and supported.”

Music is one tool Candyce and her team use to create meaningful connections. A weekly band class for the students offers an outlet for creativity and joy. “One student loves the drums,” Candyce says with a smile. “Seeing his face light up when he’s playing is incredible. Music speaks to him in a way that words sometimes can’t.”

Candyce is quick to emphasize that her students are just as much a part of Byron Middle School as anyone else. Whether participating in general education classes or specialized programs, they are celebrated for their unique talents and contributions.

“It’s important for people to understand that these kids are not less than—they’re just different,” she says. “They’re intelligent, capable, and deserving of the same respect and opportunities as everyone else.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Candyce is grateful for the unexpected path that led her to Byron’s autism program. “I feel like this is where I’m meant to be,” she says. “Every day, I get to make a difference in these kids’ lives, and they make a difference in mine.”

For Candyce, the work is as rewarding as it is challenging. “We don’t just help them learn—we help them feel seen and valued,” she says. “That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Candyce’s story is one of transformation—both for herself and for the students she serves. Her dedication and compassion exemplify the values that make Byron Schools a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their path.