Citizen of the Week: Audrey Patrie builds bridges so students feel at home in the classroom

Audrey Patrie, an interrelated special education paraprofessional at Kedron Elementary, builds bridges to the classroom for her students.

Patrie helps special education students succeed in a general education setting.

“We don’t want them to feel like outsiders or like they’re different because a lot of the kids can function in that (general education) classroom as long as they have the right support.”

With a large assignment that can be overwhelming, she can help them break it down in ways that are easier to understand.

“I see myself as the bridge between the teacher and the special education student,” she said. “I try to break it down to make it easy for them to understand and access.”

It fills up her hearts when a student finds clarity in a difficult concept, when they didn’t give up and figured it out.

“When it finally clicks for them, it’s just the most amazing feeling in the world. It makes you want to cry really,” she said. “They’re getting something from what they’re sitting in this class learning. It’s really meaningful.”

It boils down to communication for Patrie. When a student acts out, she slows down and listens. She helps them feel understood when they might feel unheard.

“It’s not something to be feared. Behavior is a communication tool at the end of the day,” she said. “With the right structure and support, those special needs students can be in the gen ed classroom, and that’s what I try to do.”

Patrie feels pride in knowing that parents believe in her ability to connect.

“It is the highest level of trust,” she said. “I want to be someone that you’d want to pick, and I want you to trust me with your kid and know that I’m doing what’s best for them.”

Do you know a Citizen like Audrey Patrie? We’d love for you to nominate them for a future Citizen of the Week.

Anyone in Fayette or Coweta County can nominate a local resident to be featured. Submissions must include between 100 and 500 words explaining why your nominee deserves the spotlight and a photo of them. (Submissions without a photo cannot be accepted.) Fill out the nomination form here:

👉 https://thecitizen.com/nominate-a-citizen-of-the-week/

Each week, one honoree is celebrated in The Citizen, giving us all a chance to recognize the people who enrich our community with their character and care.

The Citizen of the Week is proudly sponsored by City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, a national leader in cancer research and treatment. With expertise across all cancer types and a commitment to whole-person care, City of Hope honors those who strengthen our communities through service, compassion, and resilience.

Learn more at https://cityofhope.org/atlanta.