By Greg Mellen

Don Mahoney, former Principal at the ATP (Adult Transition Program)/Bridges campus in San  Juan Capistrano, dubbed her, “Sister Mary Jo.” The nickname, which stuck, referred to the gentleness of Josephine Walberg in helping transform even the most obdurate students.

In special education for adults with moderate to severe disabilities, the students ATP serves, sometimes the littlest advances can mean the most. And it is here that Walberg, one of 45 seven paraeducators at ATP/Bridges, shines.

Whether working intensely for a year to help a girl begin to make eye contact with others and start communicating, or helping a seemingly incorrigible student turn their life around, Walberg has shown a deft touch.

“The differences you see can be incredible,” Walberg said. About the latter student, she said, “We brought the best out of her. I think she finally felt she was loved.”

On Thursday, March 16, ahead of a formal announcement by the Orange County Department of Education, Walberg was surprised with flowers and news that she was one of the 2023 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year. The formal announcement followed on Monday.

“This is a big deal,” said Laura Lyon, executive director of human resource services/employee engagement for the Capistrano Unified School District and one of about a dozen district officials and teachers who gathered to surprise Walberg.

Walberg was named the winner of the Paraprofessional category. Collectively, nine winners were named in different job categories. They now advance to the state level of competition.

The district’s ATP program serves 18- to 22-year-old students with moderate to severe disabilities, providing instruction on life skills for independent living and employment.

Walberg covered her face in surprise when the contingent of well-wishers came through the door to the classroom where she assists teacher Amanda Bacopulos, who coincidentally was the ATP Teacher of the Year in 2022.

As Walberg walked up from the back of the room to receive recognition, student Makayla Bodo rushed to her side to give her a hug.

In addition to flowers and the presentation of the banner, she was presented a chocolate cake that read “Congratulations Sister Mary Jo” and more flowers by Bacopulos. She also had balloons that spelled out “Congrats,” which were handed to students for photographs.

Walberg, 58, is a native of Chichester, England, southwest of London. About six years ago, she began substitute teaching after her three boys had grown. One of her chance assignments was in Bacopulos’ classroom.

“I was going to carry on,” she said, but “the staff was so welcoming, it felt like I was coming home.”

Instead of continuing the wandering life of a substitute, she planted roots and became a full-time paraeducator at ATP.

“I’ve never been happier coming to work,” she says.

On her first day, she accompanied students to watch “The Lego Batman Movie.” One of her students, who usually wore headphones to block loud noises, started screaming when the movie sound came on. Luckily, another paraeducator was able to help her calm the student.

Bacopulos said Walberg has a special kind of empathy that makes her ideal for the job.

“One hundred percent it’s her compassion,” Bacopulos said. “With this group you have to  celebrate every victory. Jo is a complete champion of our students.”

With her soft-spoken voice and the lilt of her English accent, Walberg easily connects with her students.

“The kids all adore her,” Bacopulos said.

Principal Lucy Coppola said, “She has an ability to be present with calmness, which brings out the best in her students.”

Walberg is a paraeducator IV, which qualifies her to assist with disabled students. She also is a volunteer at the Mission Basilica food pantry across the street from the school. She has taken classes in American Sign Language to better communicate with students. She is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and has been working with a girl in foster care, and she plays the flute.

“Your natural compassion and patience are a model for enriching the lives of students,” said Gila Jones, a member of the Capistrano Unified Board of Directors, during the surprise visit. “You’re doing everything to help students live fulfilling lives.”

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