Mrs. Cindy Mickelberry: Driving Learning and Love at Elk Hills School

At Elk Hills School, community is more than a word; it’s a way of life. And few people embody that spirit more fully than Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Mickelberry, a beloved bus driver and instructional aide whose dedication touches nearly every corner of the school day.

Each morning, long before the first bell rings, Mrs. Cindy begins her bus route, greeting every child by name and sharing a smile that instantly puts them at ease. She doesn’t just transport students; she builds trust and connection with families.

When the buses are parked, Cindy steps right into her next role as an instructional aide in Elk Hills’ Walk to Learn program—a signature effort to ensure every student receives targeted small-group instruction. Drawing on her literacy training and her natural gift for connecting with children, she makes even the most difficult reading tasks feel accessible and personal. She pays close attention to how each student learns, finding creative ways to make reading meaningful for everyone she supports.

Her care doesn’t stop when the school day ends. It’s common to find her preparing materials after hours, collaborating with teachers, or participating in specialized reading trainings to strengthen her craft. And her help isn’t limited to reading or driving—if there’s a job to be done, Cindy is often the first to volunteer. Everything she does comes from a place of wanting students to be their very best.

As colleagues and students share:

“She has a compassionate heart.” — staff member
“She is always bubbly and happy.” — staff member
“One of the most kind and unforgettable people I’ve met.” — 7th grade student

At Elk Hills, Mrs. Cindy isn’t just driving students to school; she’s helping drive the future of her community, one smile, one book, and one caring moment at a time.