Tomball ISD Recognizes 2024-2025 Paraprofessionals of the Year

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD Administration had the opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact of two deserving staff members in Oakcrest Intermediate’s Claudia Zapata and Technology Services’ Mabelle Reis as they were named 2024-2025 District Paraprofessionals of the Year.

Both Zapata and Reis have dedicated years to Tomball ISD and have played an instrumental role, either in an instructional or administrative position, to support the needs of Tomball ISD and its students, staff, and families.

INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Claudia Zapata - Oakcrest Intermediate

Claudia Zapata has served Tomball ISD for the last 8.5 years and currently serves as a bilingual instructional aide at Oakcrest Intermediate under Principal Sara Rush.

What is the best part about your job?
“The best part of my job is the relationship I build with students. As a bilingual paraprofessional, I have the privilege of supporting students not just academically but emotionally and culturally. I'm reminded that the work I do matters, and that's what keeps me motivated.”

What has kept you in Tomball ISD?
“What's kept me in Tomball ISD is the strong sense of community and the great support the district gives to every member. You truly feel like you're part of a family here.”

OIS Principal Sara Rush:
“Claudia is  always there for our students, offering support and encouragement whenever it's needed. She also works seamlessly with the teachers she assists, making their jobs easier and their classrooms run more smoothly. What truly sets Claudia apart is her proactive nature—she consistently steps up when we have teachers out and always makes herself available when I need additional support. Her reliability and dependability are unmatched, and she approaches every task with a positive attitude and a willingness to help. Claudia's kindness and helpfulness are felt by everyone around her, and she has built strong, trusting relationships with both students and staff. She is truly terrific with the kids, always going above and beyond to support them in their learning and development. Claudia Zapata is an invaluable part of our OIS family and so deserving of this recognition.”

ADMINISTRATIVE PARAPROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Mabelle Reis - Technology Services

Mabelle Reis has served Tomball ISD as the Technology Services Secretary under Director Jason Piazza for the last three years.

What is the best part about your job? 
“The best part of my job is getting to help people across the district find the right solutions for whatever challenges they’re facing. It’s not always easy—trust me—but it’s incredibly rewarding. What really makes it special is working with such a fantastic technology team. Everyone’s so passionate about making a difference in our students’ lives. The way we all come together, support each other, and stay focused on doing what’s best for kids—that’s what keeps me going every day.”

What has kept you in Tomball ISD?
“Honestly, it’s the people. Tomball ISD feels like a second family. There’s a real sense of belonging here, and I’ve built some strong, supportive relationships over the years. The leadership truly cares about us, not just as employees, but as people. They offer great opportunities to grow and move forward in your career. But at the end of the day, the relationships and the shared commitment to doing great things for our students make this place so special. It’s where I feel at home.”

Director of Technology Services Jason Piazza:
“Mabelle has been invaluable in helping me build the current culture of the Technology Department. In her role assisting campuses with the purchase of technology systems and services, she has built strong relationships with departments and campuses that did not exist in the past. She has a positive demeanor and can be counted on to help guide less experienced members of the team to success. Through her collaboration with others on the team, she has helped to correct significant, and long-term deficiencies in our department including inventory, customer service, organization, and processes. I couldn't do this without her!”

Both Zapata and Reis will also be honored at Tomball ISD’s A+ Awards Ceremony on May 13.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 24 campuses.