Dobbins named Employee of the Year

NW BOCES teacher Leigh Dobbins was named the 2016 Employee of the Year. Dobbins has been working at NW BOCES for eight years.

Dobbins said it meant a lot to her to be chosen as Employee of the Year.

"It means a lot," she said. "You work really hard to make a positive difference in these kids' lives and you do so many little things, whether it's helping coworkers with their kids or meeting the needs of the students. It's nice to know that you are recognized, that people see that you're available to help, that you're willing to do whatever it takes and I absolutely love my job."

Dobbins said she is grateful to be recognized for her work.

"I truly appreciate the people that have recognized me and understand how difficult that job is and it means a lot to know that I haven't gone unnoticed," she said. "Sometimes you feel like you get lost in a position you worked really hard for and I just feel really happy."

Dobbins said she cannot see herself working anywhere other than NW BOCES.

"I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else," she said. "I really like what we have there and the school is phenomenal. The people we work with are so caring and loving and these kids come first. They are number one priority for everybody. And I just don't think you can beat that environment where they are the most important."

Dobbins said she does not dread going to work.

"I can truly say that I wake up every morning and I don't mind going to work," she said. "I don't dread going to work there. I love what I do and I love the students that I have. I truly love these kids. They are my passion."

Dobbins has three children of her own, but she said her students are also her kids.

"They are very much like my own kids," she said. "They interact with my kids. We do family things where our kids can come join and interact with these kids and they can interact with ours."