Some people have a unique ability to make those around them feel seen, supported, and valued. Dawn Eagleton is one of those people.

As Livingston ESA's Supervisor for Specialized Transportation, Dawn leads with compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. While she oversees the complex work of safely transporting learners throughout Livingston County, those who know her best say it is her genuine care for people that truly sets her apart. She has a remarkable way of noticing when someone needs help—whether it's a learner, a family member, a coworker, or a member of her team—and quietly stepping in to provide support.

"Dawn is truly deserving of this nomination because she consistently demonstrates excellence through her professionalism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to learner transportation," said Mike Breitenbecher, Executive Director of Transportation. "Her commitment to providing safe, reliable, and compassionate service has had a lasting impact on learners, families, and staff throughout Livingston County."

Over the past year, Dawn successfully led the Specialized Transportation Department through significant staffing shortages and organizational transitions. Following the retirement of the department's Executive Director and the mid-year promotion of her Associate Supervisor, Dawn independently managed department operations while ensuring transportation services continued without interruption.

While navigating those challenges, she maintained driver certifications and compliance requirements, processed payroll during evenings and weekends, coordinated learner transportation, and helped implement a new routing software system. Even with an overwhelming workload, colleagues say she never lost sight of what mattered most—the people around her.

"Her ability to lead under pressure while maintaining exceptional service is a testament to her dedication and expertise," Breitenbecher said.

What truly distinguishes Dawn is that she never asks others to do something she isn't willing to do herself. She regularly steps away from administrative responsibilities to assist at school sites, help load learners, secure wheelchairs and specialized equipment, fill in as a bus assistant, or even drive a bus when staffing requires it. No task is beneath her if it means supporting her team and ensuring learners arrive safely.

She has also played a vital role in developing individualized behavioral, care, and medical transportation plans for some of the agency's most medically fragile learners, always placing their safety, dignity, and unique needs first.

Dawn's compassion extends far beyond her job description.

When one of the learners served by Specialized Transportation was unexpectedly placed in the care of a grandparent without any clothing or personal belongings, Dawn immediately organized an effort to help. She coordinated donations of clothing, toys, food, and other essential items for both the learner and a sibling, ensuring the family had the support they needed during an incredibly difficult transition.

"This selfless act reflects the genuine care and empathy she brings to every aspect of her work and the lives of the learners and families we serve," Breitenbecher shared.

That same compassion is evident in the way Dawn leads her team. She celebrates accomplishments, recognizes hard work, and has an incredible ability to know exactly when someone needs encouragement.

"I am so incredibly excited that Dawn is being honored in this way," said Amelia Kraft, Associate Supervisor of Specialized Transportation. "She is an amazing person with a heart of gold. I know from working with her that her goal is to make everyone feel valued and accepted. Since I started here, she has been wonderful at guiding and mentoring me. She encouraged my growth, recognized my potential, and pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone."

Dawn's mentorship has had a lasting impact on those who have worked alongside her. Paul Houle, now Transportation Supervisor for Howell Public Schools and formerly Dawn's Associate Supervisor at Specialized Transportation, remembers one moment that perfectly reflects her leadership.

After a challenging week, Dawn stopped by his office with a simple message: "Good job today."

"That was all it took," Houle said. "Her ability to sense when praise, advice, or words of encouragement are needed is astounding. She is incredibly generous with her time, always making herself available to others, even when it means sacrificing time she barely has for herself. I count myself amazingly fortunate to call Dawn a mentor."

Colleagues describe Dawn as someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and humility. She is often the first to celebrate someone else's accomplishments, the first to offer a helping hand, and the first to step in when a challenge arises. Whether she is supporting transportation departments across Livingston County, assisting a teammate, or helping a learner have a successful ride to school, Dawn's kindness leaves a lasting impression.

The impact she has on others cannot be measured solely by the work she accomplishes. It is reflected in the confidence she builds in her employees, the trust she earns from families, and the genuine care she shows every learner she serves. She reminds those around her that leadership is not about a title—it's about showing up for people, especially when they need it most.

Livingston ESA is proud to honor Dawn Eagleton for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment during the month of August. We are grateful not only for everything she does, but for the positive influence she has on our learners, families, staff, and community each and every day.