Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award

The Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award recognizes local leaders who demonstrate qualities of service, leadership, vision, and collaboration. Candidates are administrators who have implemented innovative programming that contributes to the field of special education, have actively been involved with relevant organizations, volunteer to support related initiatives and who have contributed service to the field for a number of years. The award is presented annually at the February MAASE meeting.

Nomination Form

2026 Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award Winner

Lydia Moore

Executive Director of Special Education at Farmington Public Schools

2026 Patricia Gilcrest-Fraizer Award Speech

Our 2026 recipient of the Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier award has long standing respect from their
colleagues. Those who know this DIRECTOR describe them as a fun-loving, hard-working, and
deeply caring leader who has dedicated their career to ensuring that students with disabilities
are seen first and foremost as general education students—students with strengths, potential,
and limitless possibilities. Out of the descriptors stated about our recipient, FUN-LOVING almost
seems like an oxymoron when we examine their title: Executive Director of Special Education.
Think about that....a FUN-LOVING Director of Special Education!! That is exactly why this
individual is being awarded this honor. They work very, very hard, but don’t take themselves too
seriously. They laugh EVEN when the work has exhausted them. And when I say laugh - I
don’t mean in an unexpected, inappropriate way, no that type of laugh would make others
wonder....No...THIS person laughs at the circumstances which lightens the environment -
making those around them relax and recenter in the moment.

Our 2026 recipient has led meaningful, systemic change that strengthens inclusive practices,
supports trauma-informed services, and ensures students receive instruction from highly trained
educators. She puts children first—always. Every decision, every difficult conversation, every
system she challenges is guided by one question: What is in the student’s best lifelong interest?
She listens compassionately to families, maintains an open-door policy for staff, and leads with
clarity and consistency—children come first, and learning remains at the center.
Her leadership extends far beyond her district. This DIRECTOR has served as President of the
Council for Exceptional Children, currently co-chairs MAASE Professional Learning, chairs
SEAC, and contributes extensively to MAASE, MCEC, Oakland Schools, and statewide
initiatives. She gives countless hours of service—often quietly—because she believes
leadership means humbly putting yourself out of the spotlight to remain focused on the WORK.
Those who have the privilege to work alongside her describe her as a trusted thought partner, a
driver for change, and a courageous leader who does not shy away from difficult conversations.
Our leader ensures that learners who might otherwise feel lost or left behind are given
opportunities to shine—focusing on strengths and opening doors to inclusive, meaningful
learning.

And speaking of learners! This DIRECTOR’s journey as a learner reflects both deep expertise
and lifelong commitment. She earned her Doctorate from Kent State University, her Master’s
degree from Oakland University, and her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan
University, along with K–12 Administrative certification from Grand Valley State University. But
what truly defines her is not the list of degrees—impressive as they are—it is how she has used
that knowledge in service of students, families, and educators.
Our DIRECTOR also supports OTHER lifelong learners - she teaches future educators at
Madonna University and continually engages in innovative learning efforts across Michigan. Her
vision is future-focused, her leadership is collaborative, and her impact is transformative.

This afternoon we celebrate not only Dr. Lydia Moore’s accomplishments, but the lives she has
changed and the systems she continues to improve. Dr. Moore is profoundly deserving of the
Patricia Gilcrest-Fraizer Award. Her passion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment inspire
all of us to do better—for students, for families, and for one another.

Congratulations, Lydia Moore!!

Past Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier Award Winners

2025 Greg Bodrie
2024 Dr. Derek Cooley
2023 Shailee Patel
2019 Jennifer Taiariol
2018 Marci Moloney
2017 Deborah Koepke
2015 Dan Heitzman
2014 Wayne Abbott
2013 Sue Pearson
2012 Dr. Michele Harmala
2009 Patricia Gilcrest-Frazier
2006 Donna Tinberg
2004 Anthony Thaxton, Ph.D.
2003 Cynthia Smith, Ph.D.