LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amy Segrest was nominated by a colleague, Krista Wilson.

Ms. Segrest comes from a challenging background. Due to troubles at home, she moved often as a child and got used to being the new kid at school. She was fortunate to meet a great mentor through her church who helped her through these challenges. Now, Ms. Segrest is giving back. She has become a leader in her school district's mentorship program, where she has received recognition for her work.

"Amy has become a leader in the mentor program because she sees herself in each of the students," Wilson said. "She sees herself in each child that struggles or is going through a difficult time."

This year, Cheri Cox Elementary School received a new kindergarten student from Vietnam.  This student knew no English and was having difficulty building relationships, even though his teacher was extremely supportive.  Amy started looking for a mentor for this student immediately. She found a local Vietnamese minister who was looking for an opportunity to give back and serve his community.

A strong bond developed, and the new student soon began to come out of his shell. His mentor taught him how to interact, play and make friends in his new setting. This mentor even reached out to the family to share with them all the changes affecting their son.

"Amy pours her heart and soul into her work with her students. She has donated clothes, supplies etc. This year, she even got a guinea pig for a student whose pet had died. " Wilson said.

Ms. Segrest has gone above and beyond to make sure that the district character education program, the Wylie Way, has been implemented in a fun, but yet meaningful way.

"Students benefit from a staff that goes all out," Wilson said. "We want our students to not only be smart, but be good kids!  We try to make these days fun, exciting, and memorable for our students."

Ms. Segrest arranges for special assemblies, useful materials and amazing decorations inside and outside of her school.  She has quickly become a leader on campus, an advocate and friend to students, and a listening ear and advisor to staff and parents alike.  She has already reached out to new counselors in her district to support them as well.

"When I think about Cheri Cox Elementary and the students that enter here each day,  I know that they are blessed to have a counselor like Amy Segrest.  Amy truly is a LifeChanger for our students," Wilson said.