An Verner was one of the pioneers of SOC, The Spring Branch School of Choice…she’s an original who remained dedicated for years, up to the last year before the school was restructured. I believe she was enjoying her well-deserved retirement with her lovely daughters, a husband that she knew since grade school, and wonderful grand kids. At the SOC, An eventually worked with all programs, serving very well in a variety of ways -- As an ELA Teacher, as an AB teacher (partnered with Jerry Hilbert), as well as serving in the DAEP and the Nova Net Lab....Ann was loving, caring, nurturing to all of our students, from all walks of life and highly supportive to all staff and teachers - she was protective of students and teachers alike. An also did a superlative job as a Resource Special Education Teacher, working one on one with students across disciplines...she was everywhere, focused, hard working, giving kids hope, encouraging them, always up and about, engaged, helping all students to discover their strengths, helping them to improve their weaknesses, while building their self-esteems which you know, was often greatly lacking when they arrived to us. She was genuine, loved them. An was also active in our on-line curriculum, the Nova Net Lab. engaged with students who valued from this form of learning that greatly enhanced their progress towards graduation...An could teach any subject and any type of student as they are often categorized with certain needs and accomodations, while addressing and modifying their individual learning styles to their individual learning plans. She also handled so much paper work as SPED leaders often do. All the while being supportive, kind and thoughtful, concerned for all teachers and staff...and always, always placing the needs of students first. I also know all this because I not only served across disciplines but also, An and Jerry would come to my art class in the early years, with the special AB students. They were a great team. An was always letting me know in advance who was having a bad day, who to take it easy on, who would need some extra help...and she was there to help too and always observing every student, encouraging them, praising them and never off doing her own thing....she was always 100% student focused. You know I know all this because I was one extremely observant, curious, fascinated staff member. I was always paying attention to everything and everyone around me, taking it all in, embracing all the best parts of everyone, while recognizing that we are all human too...and so I say this with complete confidence about An Verner.... Thank you An...you were truly a gift, an amazing human being with a beautiful soul, quite the professional, beyond measure - I will never forget you and always admire you and appreciate you..I know how much you loved your husband and family too. Thank you for being personally kind and encouraging to me when I had my bout with Breast Cancer and all that in 2001...you had strong faith and God always loved you. I'm excited for you to be in heaven now, to know the whole Truth.....Till we meet again in the classroom in the heavenly sky -- Please save a spot for me to teach art and if heaven still has the most challenging of students/souls or ornery angels, please bring them to me so we can work with them creatively, together! Thank you An for everything -God bless and keep you forever as I have strong faith that He will. (I saved your yearly Christmas Letters from the "Deer" family and the last one is a real treasure).... An is fine now...Our prayers need to go to An's wonderful husband and best friend, George, and her beautiful family and close friends. Thank you - Joanne Frimel.