May 6, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing you this letter of recommendation regarding Malia Butler and her efforts to pursue a position
as a School Counselor. I do so with pleasure.

Let me start by saying that there are very few people I trust in this world with my special needs child, and
Malia is one of those people.

My son, although being disabled, has a knack for seeking out kind souls. He broke his elbow 3 years ago
and when we were in the ER he was asking for a, "Ms. Butler." I needed to find out who this person was.
I had come to find out Ms. Butler was my son’s Para-educator at school...and so our relationship began.

Malia began working for my family about 3 years ago doing respite care for my son Matty, and we
couldn't be happier. My family sat down with Malia and came up with a game plan as how to best utilize
her for Matty's personal growth and development. She was a very big part of putting the plan together
both for fun, as well as an educational component. This would enable Matty to continue progressing
outside the classroom. Malia took direction very well and was very keen in picking up on Matty and his
ways. He really began to flourish in his social life and made new experiences outside our home. It was a
true blessing for all involved because we all grew... including Malia. The first summer they spent together
is often referred to as, “The Summer of Matty” in my house. It was one of the best of his life.

Over the next few years, activities evolved and Malia was part of those decision processes most times, but
she followed direction regardless because she knew we all had Matty's best interest in mind. There were
many challenges and some health setbacks that included having to do unpleasant tasks, i.e. diaper changes
and mess clean ups. Malia never wavered and handled them, always treating Matty with respect and
dignity. But firm when the situation warranted it to be.

Malia was a very good addition to our family dynamic and we started to become friends, yet she has
always maintained her professionalism. My son still refers to her as Ms. Butler, out of respect as an
authority figure, but he loves her like a family member. She has been a tremendous addition to my son’s
life over the course of these last 3 years, and we hope she will remain in Matty's life as he becomes an
adult. In life, you must sift through a lot of sand before you find a gem, we got lucky to find ours without
having to look far.

I would highly recommend Malia for any counseling position that she would choose to pursue, because
that school would not only be gaining a new professional, they would be gaining, "Ms. Butler" the gem
that Matty found and allowed us all to see how bright a relationship with her could be.

If you have any further questions you may contact me via email at graffagnino2001@yahoo.com, or my
phone number, (360) 292-8684.

Sincerely,

Matt Graffagnino