AUGUSTA – The Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities has recognized Joan Nason as Special Education Administrator of the Year. The organization is an association of special education administrators in Maine’s local public schools, private special education schools and Child Development Services (preschool) sites.

Claire LaBrie, special education administrator with the Cape Elizabeth School Department, introduced Nason, and presented her with the award at an awards dinner in Bar Harbor in June.

Nason has served as director of special services for the last 10 years at Freeport public schools. In that capacity, she has supported the development of a continuum of services for children aged 3 to 20. With more than 30 years of experience in special education and 15 years in administration, she has developed an excellent reputation as an advocate for students with disabilities.

In their letters of support, staff members cited her level of professionalism, knowledge of her craft, and her ability to manage conflict so that students’ needs are kept in the forefront. Administrators credit Nason for the significant growth in the quality of services that are provided to students. She was described as someone who will always make time to assist teachers, parents and students in spite of a full schedule. Her colleagues identified a strength in her style of directness coupled with an infusion of an appropriate level of humor.

A native of Lewiston, Nason is a graduate of Lewiston High School and the daughter of Blanche and Robert Parent. She has served on a number of boards including the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf and the Maine Collaborative School. In addition, she is in her third two-year term as treasurer and chairwoman of the finance committee for the administrators group.