The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) has named Wendy Aroche Manzano, a special education teacher at Helen Lehman Elementary School in Santa Rosa, as the October 2025 Teacher of the Month.

Aroche Manzano, who teaches 2nd graders as part of the Reaching Independence through Structured Environment (RISE) program, received the countywide recognition Wednesday, Nov. 5, at an all-school assembly. Representatives from SCOE and local radio stations, as well as Helen Lehman Principal Christina Cena and Santa Rosa City Schools district officials, including Interim Superintendent Lisa August, came together for the celebration.

The recognition, which honors exceptional public school teachers across Sonoma County, is organized by SCOE in partnership with local radio stations. The stations air ads that invite community members to submit nominations and celebrate the winning teacher.

Several family members of students in Aroche Manzano’s classroom nominated her for the award, highlighting the way she works with families to advocate for the needs of her students, who have diagnoses of autism.

One nominator wrote that Aroche Manzano, known to her students and families as “Ms. Wendy,” “dedicates her life” to supporting children who receive special education services. “She accompanies the children every day with patience and affection,” the nomination read.

“Her empathy provides comfort along this challenging journey,” read another nomination.

Principal Cena said Aroche Manzano’s dedication is evident when you visit her classroom.

“You walk into her class, and you see the level of care and intention and love that takes place,” Cena said.

Aroche Manzano has worked for Santa Rosa City Schools for three years and has been an educator for five years. In addition to having been diagnosed with autism, some of her students have secondary diagnoses, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Aroche Manzano said she was surprised and grateful that her work with students and families was recognized.

“”I work really hard to make sure my students feel welcome, and I work really hard with parents to make sure that their voices are heard … I’m just so happy to know that they see that,” she said.

Santa Rosa City Schools Interim Superintendent August expressed pride in Aroche Manzano’s work.

“Ms. Aroche is a remarkable educator whom we are fortunate to have as part of our Helen Lehman and Santa Rosa City Schools community,” she said. “This well-deserved recognition is a clear reflection of her deep care for her students and their families, and the positive impact she makes each day through her dedication and heart.”

Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter also praised Aroche Manzano’s commitment and advocacy.

“Every child deserves an educational environment where they are nurtured and can thrive,” Carter said. “It’s clear from the nominations we received that Ms. Aroche Manzano champions her students and centers the needs she hears from family members. Her students are fortunate to have her in their corner.”

As the Teacher of the Month, Aroche Manzano received a $500 classroom gift card sponsored by Community First Credit Union and a six-month family membership from the Sonoma County Family YMCA in Santa Rosa.

About the Teacher of the Month Promotion

Each month, SCOE reviews nominations in English and Spanish submitted through our website by students, families, and staff from Sonoma County’s public school districts and charters and selects one teacher to honor.

The Teacher of the Month program is a collaborative effort between the Sonoma County Office of Education, Froggy 92.9, Exitos 98.7, Latino 100.9, and Hot 101.7 radio stations and sponsors Community First Credit Union and Sonoma County Family YMCA.

To nominate an outstanding teacher for future consideration, learn more about the program, or read about past winners, click here.