LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Krista Boardman

Position: Assistant Principal
School: Crestview Middle School
School District: Rockwood School District
City, State: Saint Louis, MO

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Krista Boardman was nominated by a colleague, Rainah Pray.

"Krista epitomizes what it means to be a leader. She is the full package as a boss, co-worker, and principal in general. I have worked with Krista for 17 years and watched her evolve into the leader she is today. Krista came to Becky-David at a time of transition. She was the constant the staff needed throughout the multiple transitions from then to now. Krista genuinely cares about the students and what will help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She gives honest input and works to support us in ways to better ourselves as educators and colleagues," said Pray.

"Krista works tirelessly to develop systems and supports for our building. She developed all the working systems that we have. When we express a need, Krista works diligently to address it. She is humble and never takes credit for the work she does. Krista is not recognized in the way she should be. Krista created and maintained the pyramid of interventions that we still use today. She led us to win the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards multiple times for being a PBIS school," said Pray.

"Krista is a master of her trade. She has led the district in Mindset Training. Everyone who attends says Krista is a talented presenter, and they learned so much from her. She spends multiple evenings a week making sure everything our staff and students need is in line. When Krista discovers a need somewhere, she puts the steps into motion to solve the situation. Krista won't stop until it is done," said Pray.

"Anyone who describes Krista always comments on how approachable she is. As a staff, we know we can always count on her to listen and help us solve problems. She does not just tell you what you want to hear but also helps you identify your copiability in situations. She will work through problems to ensure you feel like you have been heard. Later, she reaches out and follows up. We all feel the way she cares about the staff. Parents also go to Krista for help solving problems and remedying situations. I have heard multiple parents comment that they love how she listens to them and works to help solve problems without placing blame," said Pray.

"I have never seen a leader be as reflective as Krista is. Watching her evolve from a brand new administrator to one anyone could learn from has been amazing. She is a lifelong learner who leads by example. She encompasses what a true leader is. Staff, parents, students, and community members all see the immense value Krista provides to Becky-David Elementary. Her late nights and long weekends supporting us all are the glue that keeps us all together. To find someone who cares so genuinely is rare. Not only does she care, but she moves us forward. We are all better because of her," said Pray.

Comments (23)

Meghan Posted over a year ago

Krista has been an absolutely fabulous member of our admin team. She is always supportive of myself and my fellow teachers and has made a very positive impact on some of our most challenging students; including one that describes his 13-year-old-self as 'a changed man.' She's a perfect candidate for this award.

Ruth Posted over a year ago

I worked with Krista for many years at Becky-David. She was wonderful to work with. She is someone who cares for the students and staff. She is always there to give support to everyone.

denise k jackson Posted over a year ago

Krista is the most kind, understanding and patient person I have ever worked for. She is a role model for any person in or out of education. I am so grateful to have worked with her for 15 years. She took time to get to know me as a person and I knew she truly cared for me as a human and educator. You will not find a more deserving person than Krista.

Chris Theisen Posted over a year ago

Though I have never worked directly with Krista, I have known her for almost 10 years – and I am fully aware of the impact she has made throughout her years at Becky-David (where my girlfriend taught) and at Crestview Middle School, where she currently works. Krista is not only an exceptional and dedicated educator, but a loyal, compassionate, and selfless individual in general. She’s exactly what anyone could hope for as a friend, coworker, boss, teacher, or administrator. She’s also the ideal candidate for this award - and very deserving of it.

Audrey Carr Posted over a year ago

Krista is the most deserving and yet one of the most humble people I have ever met. She treats everyone with the utmost respect and knows just what to say. Krista is a light wherever she goes!

Sheri Schulte Posted over a year ago

We are grandparents raising grandchildren, and have known Krista (“Mrs. Boardman”) since 2012. The kind-hearted support and genuine concern and understanding the kids have always received from this amazing person has given them the strength and confidence they needed to get through their emotional and academic struggles, being unable to live with their parents. Krista has always taken time to be especially attentive to the needs of the kids (regardless of how trivial it may seem to others). She extended her continuous support to us without judgement, and warmed our hearts more than she will ever know. It’s impossible to express how it feels to know how much she understands about the challenges and sacrifices Grandparents face stepping into the role of parenting. We cherish and value the gift of being one of the many families she has befriended and stood by year after year. Our grandchildren are better people for having her in their lives.. As are we. We love and miss her ??

Kasey Posted over a year ago

I currently work with Krista at Crestview. It is obvious that Krista cares deeply about the education and well-being of all students. She goes above and beyond to make sure every need is addressed. Krista is professional, kind, determined, and wise. This nomination is very well deserved!

Erica Garzia Posted over a year ago

I have two kiddos that go to BD and had the privilege to have Krista as their AP. She is kind, has a big heart, thinks outside the box to help all students and isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves. She works tirelessly to improve our school and she is well loved by all staff and parents. There isn't a more deserving educator to receive this award!

Mariah Hanneke Posted over a year ago

Krista is a life changer. My son struggled with behavior issues in elementary. She truly saw him as a child that needed help and not as a problem. She spent countless hours supporting him through his elementary years. I truly believe she is part of the reason he is a successful 7th grader now. Thank you for your big heart Krista John Boardman!

Cathleen Gotsch Posted over a year ago

My two sons went to Becky-David from K-5. Krista was pivotal in their success both as students and in developing the skills needed to be positive contributing members of society. Krista was an amazing advocate for my younger son's IEP plans and she and him developed a special student/principal friendship that helped my son to learn emotional regulation skills and feel comfortable with authority figures. Krista's compassionate leadership definitely left a life changing impact on my son.

Kelly Van Sciever Posted over a year ago

This is my first year working with Krista, and I feel so fortunate to have her as my administrator. Her impact at Crestview Middle has been swift and impactful. She holds kids accountable using a love & logic approach. Kids that have struggled in past years are more successful academically and socially due to her interventions and influence. Krista truly cares about her students & they know it. ??

Katie Waldschmidt Posted over a year ago

Krista means the world to me. I don't know where I would be in my teaching career without her. She was always there to support me, guide me, teach me, walk with me, and help my students with a tremendous amount of empathy and grace. One thing that always impressed me was how she cared for not only the students, but their families as well. We were so lucky to have such a caring leader in our school for so many years! Thank you, Krista, for being so kind to me and supportive of me throughout the years!

Lynda Longhofer Posted over a year ago

Krista is one of a kind lady. She hired me to be a lunch aide their at Becky David. Had alot of fun. She listened to my ideas helped make the lunch time a success for the 3 years I was their. A good friend to have and a good listener. She deserves so much to get this award. Happy Holidays Krista! Good Luck!

Kristen Cotner Posted over a year ago

Krista is so very deserving of this award. She has been amazingly supportive and empathetic towards staff and students. She worked tirelessly to advocate for everyone around her. Her positive aura, welcoming presence, and can-do attitude made all things feel possible. It was a privilege to work in a school under her leadership!

Darla Posted over a year ago

I had the pleasure of working with Krista for around 20 years. Krista is an amazing person and educator. Her dedication to her staff, students and parents is unmatched. She always goes the extra mile to ensure the success of children. She embodies what a life long learner should be. Krista is very deserving of this award.

Rhonda Kane Posted over a year ago

I am a mental health professional that worked with Krista for 16 years. She was instrumental in leading the path to trauma informed schools in Missouri. She was the first principal to have her entire school staff trained in trauma informed schools practices. This led to all schools, all staff and all departments being trained. This led to a county wide initiative and eventually to a new law for trauma informed schools. She is truly the champion for kids who need a voice . One act, one decision caused a ripple affect that now affects thousands of children!

Nancy Israel Posted over a year ago

I only had the privilege of working with Krista for a few short months at Crestview prior to my moving but I found myself being impacted and influenced by her. She was a listening ear, a sounding board and one who looked for ways to make things better for both staff and students. Her interactions with students was always fair, understanding, and respectful. She truly has a heart for people.

Andy Standiford Posted over a year ago

Krista represents the very best of what an educator and facilitator should be. She always has a smile on her face and approaches situations with a caring and professional demeanor. This recognition is well deserved.

Marissa Bean Posted over a year ago

If there is anyone I know who better embodies a “Life changer” moniker it’s Krista I can’t imagine how different our time at Becky David would have been without her. A truly incredible woman, educator, professional and friend Good luck Krista!! #lcoy

Ashley Landers Posted over a year ago

Krista is an amazing principal. My daughter went to Becky David from K-5th and I was very active with volunteering at the school when she was there. She was always so kind and caring about every single student. Anytime we had a problem she worked hard to fix it. She never once made me feel like she didn't genuinely care about everyone at the school, including the teachers, students, and all the extra staff. Krista is a bright light that anyone would be lucky to see shine.

Jill Aul Posted over a year ago

I worked with Krista for several years before retiring from Becky-David in 2011. I agree with everything mentioned in this nomination. She deserves this award!

Jazmyn Earl Posted over a year ago

I am so lucky to know and to have worked with Krista for the years we were together at Becky-David. Krista is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. She lights up a room, and she gives so much of herself to others. As a principal & boss, she felt like our superhero, juggling 100 things at once, but always making her teachers & students feel seen, heard, and valued. Thank you, Krista, for being such an incredible leader & mentor, and for being just an all-around amazing person. As Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Rainah Pray Posted over a year ago

I am so happy to see you getting the accolades you deserve. <3