After 13 years, we are saying farewell to our dear Deputy Principal, Mrs. Paula (Lyons) Guernsey! Though we will miss her deeply, we are excited for her as she starts a new chapter of life with her family, and we are truly grateful for everything she has done in the many years she has been with us.

Paula, a graduate of MODG herself, has worked for the school since 2011, offering her many talents in numerous areas. From customer service to consultant support to teaching, Paula has dedicated her time to supporting our families in many different capacities, always with the same goal of making sure that each family received the individual attention they needed to best implement our program. 

As the long-time manager of our Learning Support program, Paula has worked with many students, parents, teachers, and consultants over the years. Our principal, Michaela Berquist, estimates that Paula has worked with 7000 students, 400 teachers, and 4000 Learning Support sections! 

“Parents, consultants, teachers alike knew they could call Paula up and get a listening ear,” says Michaela. “Paula was always so careful to hear both sides and work proactively to bring about a happy resolution for all parties. I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside Paula. I have learned from her good humor, no matter how crazy the moment. Paula played a very formative role in the development of Learning Support and the structure we see and benefit from today.”

Now, Paula turns her attention to raising her three young boys and preparing for an international move with her family. Assistant Principal Lucy Lyons will be stepping into Paula’s role as the manager of Learning Support, and we know the program will be in good hands!

“We will miss Paula,” says Michaela, “but I am confident that we will benefit from the framework she built for years to come!”

Thank you, Paula, from everyone at Mother of Divine Grace School! 

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Some testimonials from our community: 

“Paula, you have been an incredible inspiration and mentor to me from my first day teaching. You made sure that what could have been a very rocky start went smoothly and have answered my numberless questions over the years with patience and joy. You are truly a blessing and a legend. Good luck on your travels and may you be blessed in abundance.”

“Thank you Paula for always being so kind and helpful to me. You were a blessing to the entire MODG community, and will be greatly missed. May God bless you and your dear family as you embark on your next adventure together.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done to help Mother of Divine Grace families! Your cheerfulness, thoroughness and kindness have been a daily testament to all those with whom you’ve been in contact. May God be with you on this new adventure! We will be praying for you and your beautiful family!"

“Thank you for sharing your love and talents with our community - You have touched so many lives, including mine! Thank you for welcoming me as a teacher, answering so many questions, and supporting so many other teachers and families every day! God bless your new adventures!”

“Paula has been a light in MODG. She was always willing to listen to issues and really consider what I had to say. She was a joy, witty and incredibly capable. Everyone who had the good fortune to work with her on any level would absolutely concur. Paula is a remarkable woman and I pray she will be filled with the joy she brought us!”