The Farmington Board of Education and Kathleen C. Greider, Interim Superintendent of Schools, are proud to announce that Brittney Gracia, district-wide Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) has been named 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year for the Farmington Public Schools.
Brittney Gracia has been a BCBA within the Farmington schools for over 7 years. She has primarily served our in-district specialized programming, working with students as well as faculty and staff, to ensure we provide the most exemplary services and education to our students who are identified with exceptionalities. The role of a BCBA in Farmington is critical to providing high-quality in-district special education programming for students who require these services. Brittney Gracia’s wealth of knowledge and expertise has expanded well beyond our specialized programs as she is a deeply trusted colleague who has modeled both high expectations and care for all students. Her enthusiasm and positivity create an environment of high trust, high expectations and high engagement for all students which is truly exceptional. Through her actions, Brittney exemplifies Farmington’s Vision of a Global Citizen for all students by cultivating self-awareness, resilience, compassion, and cultural competence while empowering others to grow as learners, collaborators, and contributors in a more inclusive world.
Superintendent Greider states, “Brittany Gracia is an innovator, problem solver and someone who inspires everyone to imagine new possibilities for students. Brittney is student-centered and understands the unique strengths of each child who she supports. Her expertise has benefited our students, families, faculty, staff and administrators. Connecticut recently announced a commitment to developing in-district specialized programming. In Farmington, we created in-district specialized programming many, many years ago. Brittney served as a pioneer within our programming to ensure every child is provided both access and excellence to thrive today and in the future. She motivates and supports each member of our school district to reach, to stretch and to never stop seeking out new and innovative practices to elevate the unique, individualized strengths of every child. She thinks from an assets-based lens which is critical when it comes to student success now and in the future. I enthusiastically congratulate our 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year and extend deepest appreciation and admiration of Brittney’s dedication and unwavering belief in the success of each child. ”
Board Chair Bill Beckert commented, “On behalf of the Farmington Board of Education, I extend our congratulations in naming Brittney Gracia as our 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year. As a BCBA working with students, families, faculty and staff, Brittney represents the power of collaboration and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Her impact has been significant here in Farmington. We are so proud to have Brittney, an outstanding BCBA, as our 2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year.”
Director of Special Services, Wendy Shepard-Bannish, states, “At the heart of Brittney’s practice is a profound commitment to equity, relationships, and inclusion—guided always by humility and a deep sense of compassion. She is a tireless advocate for students with exceptionalities, approaching her work with kindness and a belief in the potential of every learner. Brittney consistently works to enhance opportunities for all students, not by seeking recognition, but by staying student-centered in all her decisions. Her leadership in professional development—providing ongoing training to both paraprofessionals and certified staff—reflects her quiet strength and generous spirit. Brittney fosters a culture of support and shared growth, always meeting colleagues where they are and encouraging them forward with patience and care. Whether she’s leading workshops or modeling strategies in the classroom, Brittney brings passion, clarity, and an unwavering compassion to every encounter. Her humility invites collaboration, her kindness builds trust, and her work leaves a lasting impact on both students and educators alike.”
Building Principals Caitlin Eckler and Carolyn Fink add “Brittney is an exceptional advocate for all students. With a tremendous capacity for collaboration, deep compassion, expert behavior analysis skills, and tremendous love, she identifies students’ strengths and designs interventions and supports to maximize their assets and build functional skills. She demonstrates an unwavering belief in every child’s ability to learn, and is dedicated to helping each student grow into the person they are meant to be. She is an exceptional member of our school-based teams, supporting inclusion, access, and equity for all learners. On behalf of the students, families, and colleagues she serves, we congratulate Brittney on her designation as Farmington’s Staff Member of the Year, an honor she so richly deserves.”
Upon being selected Staff Member of the Year Brittney Gracia commented “I’m humbled and grateful to be named Farmington Public Schools’ Staff Member of the Year—it is an incredible honor. Each day, I have the privilege of working with our amazing students, families, administrators, faculty, and staff to celebrate growth, overcome challenges, and support students in reaching their full potential. Seeing the difference we make together is tremendously rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of such an exceptional team. Farmington is a community built on meaningful relationships and shared purpose, one that values collaboration, growth, and meaningful learning, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of it.”
Brief Bio:
Brittney is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over seven years of experience as a Farmington BCBA since 2018. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford and holds a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Southern Connecticut State University. Since 2010, Brittney has dedicated her career to supporting children with Autism and mental health needs, working in both hospital settings and private special education facilities. In addition to her hands-on work, Brittney actively pursues professional development and leadership growth. She has recently completed the Connecticut Aspiring Leaders in Special Education program through UConn (UCEDD), a competitive program designed to cultivate special education leaders across the state. With more than a decade of experience, Brittney remains committed to lifelong learning for all in order to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves.
