2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year

Vanessa Taylor

After serving in the military and receiving an honorable discharge, Vanessa discovered her passion for education when she began working in a daycare while raising her two young children. She earned her teacher certification through Connecticut Charts-A-Course and spent more than 20 years creating high-quality early childhood learning environments grounded in NAEYC standards.

In 2021, Vanessa joined the ABLE program in the Putnam Elementary School System, where she provided one-on-one support and used structured tools to help students succeed. A defining experience was working with a nonverbal Portuguese-speaking student; Vanessa learned basic Portuguese and used a PECS system to help the student communicate and thrive.

Vanessa later became a kindergarten paraeducator in the same district. She supports small groups of students, assists with assessments, and created a PowerWords tracking system to monitor progress and celebrate growth. Loved by colleagues, students, and families, she is often called the “Baby Whisperer” for her natural ability to connect with children and encourage them to try new challenges.

Her dedication has been recognized locally and statewide. Vanessa was named the Putnam Paraeducator of the Year and is the 2026 Connecticut Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.

Whether supporting the youngest learners or students in ABLE and RISE, Vanessa strives to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and capable. Her greatest joy is helping children grow and discover their potential.