Joan Keltgen
Position: Psychologist
School: Everglades Elementary School
School District: Palm Beach County School District
City, State: West Palm Beach, FL
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Joan Keltgen was nominated by her colleague, Ashley Sheldon.
Ms. Keltgen is not only incredible at her position, but she is also an incredible human being. She has a kind and nurturing soul and always does what is best for the children she works with. Both children and adults feel safe and comfortable around her. Her warm and inviting smile puts parents at ease during meetings where they may hear news about their child that may be difficult for them to hear.
Ms. Keltgen is an excellent psychologist. She listens to teachers' input and values their observations and opinions. She is always extremely professional, and her decisions are always in the best interest of the child. Even in the most difficult situations, she finds positive things to say about students and praises them, lifting them up.
"I have had children who have no reason to visit a school psychologist ask to go with her when she comes to pick up a student, just so that they can spend time with her," said her nominator. "Joan is always understanding and willing to listen and take into consideration any concerns from colleagues, children, and parents alike. She is an exceptional counselor and person, and she has changed countless lives for the better."
Jo epitomizes what a Life Changer of the Year award stands for- kind, caring, and able to focus in on the individual with positive interactions, whether a child or adult. It is obvious she enjoys being part of a team who listens, strategizes, and implements educational interventions to promote the well-being of children. With that, comes communicating with parents, teachers, and other adults in a factual yet supportive manner which is where Jo shines. Her 'bedside manner" is reassuring and one of concern for others. It has been a pleasure to work with her!
As Jo's oldest sister and an educational professional myself, I share the gratitude and amazement expressed here by parents and colleagues. Jo is equally diplomatic, supportive and kind when our large, noisy family gets together to celebrate the arrival of a new family member or grieve the loss of one. But the quality I find most revealing is her focus on the smallest details. She is always on the look out for small educational items, such as puzzles and pencils, that she keeps on hand as gifts for children she works with. These gifts open pathways to conversation and relaxation, plus, like her, gifts are fun. Jo also realizes the impact of the reports she so carefully writes. The results of these evaluative instruments and how they're phrased can impact the direction of students' and parents' lives. She doesn't take this responsibility lightly.
It is with great pleasure to support Jo for the Life Changer of the Year nomination. She has many characteristics of a life changer. She has the ability to remain calm when working with challenging students and parents. I have observed how she communicates and interacts with students when they are having a difficult time regulating their emotions. She has a unique style of nurturing and providing support to bring calmness and a smile to their face. Jo uses her critical thinking skills to make decisions in the best interest of students. She exhibits this during parent, teacher and administration consultations and meetings. Jo is without a doubt making a difference in the lives of students.
As Jo's oldest sister and an educational professional myself, I share the gratitude and amazement expressed here by parents and colleagues. Jo is equally diplomatic, supportive and kind when our large, noisy family gets together to celebrate the arrival of a new family member or grieve the loss of one. But the quality I find most revealing is her focus on the smallest details. She is always on the look out for small educational items, such as puzzles and pencils, that she keeps on hand as gifts for children she works with. These gifts open pathways to conversation and relaxation, plus, like her, gifts are fun. Jo also realizes the impact of the reports she so carefully writes. The results of these evaluative instruments and how they're phrased can impact the direction of students' and parents' lives. She doesn't take this responsibility lightly.
This recognition is well-deserved! Joan is a model school psychologist who devotes herself to the well being of all students. She is very conscientious, dedicated, and as a colleague she is a pleasure to work with.
Jo is the absolute best! I have been lucky enough to know and work with her for most of my career through 2 different schools. I am an inclusion teacher so I have been through quite a few meetings with Jo. She has a demeanor that instantly puts everyone at ease and is so thorough and professional, but also sympathetic and personable. The parents never leave not understanding what she has explained to them. I go to her for advice for my students frequently and she always goes above and beyond to offer her expertise and advice. I am very lucky to have someone like Jo in my corner. She truly is a life changer for me and for our students! This is a very well deserved nomination!
Jo is a colleague of mine and a highly valued mentor. She is always willing to consult on difficult cases and provide encouragement and creative solutions. She is considered an expert in our district with regards to autism spectrum disorders and brings years of experience. She advocates strongly for all the students she serves and works hard to ensure they are provided with the appropriate services. She is always warm, kind, genuine and nonjudgmental, and works hard to help students and staff feel valued. I cannot think of anyone better suited for this recognition. Congratulations, Jo!
It is with a great honor that I have had the opportunity to work alongside Joan Kelgen for several years. She truly changes, in a positive way, the lives of so many! She stands out among her peers, which is really saying something, as we have a great team of psychologists in this county. Joan's smiling demeanor and sincerely caring personality draws others to her. Her evaluations and reports are extensive and thorough. The manner in which she shares her results to the team and parents, which is often news of a disability, is extremely empathetic yet professional. The way this information is shared to parents makes a difference in how they receive this often difficult information, and it impacts how they respond to the newly learned needs of their children. This changes their life forever. She always finds the best in everyone, from her coworkers, to her students and parents. Joan always takes the time to help or explain, or just listen, to all who ask. She works endlessly, often on her own personal time, to complete what the team needs done to meet an often difficult timeline. I can not think of a more deserving person for this award!
Words can not truly capture the essence of the impact Jo makes in the lives of students, parents, teachers, colleagues, and administrators of Palm Beach County. She strategically impacts the academic & social/emotional development of our students. She provides in depth counsel to parents regarding student needs and how to support them in the classroom. In addition, she graciously supports her colleagues through professional development. Furthermore, she takes the initiative to improve the culture of all of those working closely with her by facilitating social and professional growth opportunities. It is a joy to collaborate with such an outstanding professional!
I have worked with many school psychologists in Palm Beach County over the past 29 years, and Jo Keltgen is by far the BEST school psychologist I have ever worked with! I learn from her every time I am with her. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and she shares her expertise in a kind, humble, and gentle manner. Jo is EXCELLENT with parents! She explains information to them in a way that they can understand and she has a way of making them feel comfortable, accepted, trusted, listened to, and valued------even when she is sharing information that is difficult for parents to hear. Jo is always professional, supportive, and positive. She is a true team player who always cares about the students and the teachers at our school. She changes lives for the better, one by one, in whatever situation or setting she may be in at the moment. It has been my pleasure and my honor to know her as a person and as a colleague. I can think of no better person who deserves the Lifechanger of the Year Award!!!!!!
Jo truly has a heart for children and strives daily to make decisions in the best interest of their success. She works with teachers and administrators to provide each of us with resources and strategies to help children reach their full academic potential. She has a gentle way of making parents feel comfortable or at ease when relaying results that they may not be expecting or are resistant to accept. Jo is helpful, kind, respectful and caring. It is apparent that she loves her job because there's never a day she doesn't have a smile and an open door for anyone, anytime throughout the day! She's a true leader and life changer in every sense of the word!
Joan is a wonderful person and excellent psychologist. It is very clear when she is working with children, families and staff that she is extremely knowledgeable and that she truly cares about helping others.
Jo has been a wonderful asset to the Everglades team. She is the BESt School Psychologist. She genuinely cares about the students, staff, and parents that she works with. She always has a positive attitude.
I have seen her make a huge difference with students and parents alike.
If someone wants an idea or information on what might work with a particular student or child Jo is the person they will go to. I have seen her research ideas, create plans, meet with students, parents, teachers, and staff. She has definitely been a Life Changer!
We love Joan! She is very kind and always has a smile on her face for students, staff and parents. Her gentle presence puts both students and staff at ease. We appreciate her advice and the way she treats everyone. We are so lucky to have her at our school. She is a lifechanger.
Jo is a person who makes our world a better place to live in!
In her position as a school psychologist, she often times has to deliver news to families that can be scary and/or upsetting. But, with Jo's calm and caring demeanor she is able to ease concerns and answer questions in a direct and supportive way.
Any teacher or parent that has crossed Jo's path is lucky to have gained knowledge from her to pass onto the child and support their education.
Working with Jo as our school psychologist was always a pleasure. She always showed respect towards our most involved preschoolers, and I knew that when she evaluated them she would be looking for their strengths, not their deficits. She always had a smile and time when a teacher needed help. I was truly sad that she did not return as our school psychologist this year.
I'm a teacher and a mom of a kindergartener with an IEP. Joan was wonderful to work with during evaluations and meetings. Not only is she a very skilled practitioner, but she is also really warm and kind. We appreciate her greatly!
Ms. Keltgen truly exemplifies the heart of school psychology. She collaborates in teams effectively and considers the professional opinions and input from each team member. Most importantly, Ms. Keltgen always places the individual needs of each of her students at the forefront of every decision and educational recommendation she makes. She can diplomatically speak truth and share her wisdom and experience to improve communication in teams and assist parents and staff during difficult situations. Ms. Keltgen is not only loving and caring, but she is knowledgeable and innovative when it comes to assisting teachers in the development of behavioral interventions for her students. She is a treasured resource to her profession and a wonderful co-worker, who is loved by all her peers and students. It is a pleasure to work with Ms. Keltgen and I trust that whenever I ask for her help, I will find someone willing to go above and beyond for her students.
I have truly enjoyed working with Jo as our school psychologist over the past few years. She always has a positive attitude and encouraging words in and out of meetings. She shows true concern about the students she works with and works tirelessly to find the most effective ways to meet their specific needs. Students and teachers have all benefited from having her on thier side.
Joan is an amazing school psychologist! She truly cares about our students. She works tirelessly to ensure that our students get everything they need. Joan is very professional and kind. She works and communicates extremely well with the teachers, parents and students at our school. Joan is a life changer!
Joan Keltgen is a phenomenal school psychologist. Her knowledge in her area of expertise help guide teachers and staff in providing resources and strategies to our students in need. Joan's kindness with our students sets the children at ease and they enjoy meeting with her. Joan always has the students' best interests at heart when working with them and planning the appropriate course of action. Her colleagues admire and respect her for her dedication to kids and in providing a positive school climate.
Ms. Keltgen is the most amazing school psychologist and one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing. I have been teaching twenty years and have never met a person like Ms. Keltgen. Her calm and respectful demeanor is always kind, loving, and understanding. She takes the time to acknowledge parents and teachers, while making sure the child is the center of everyone's focus. Her compassion and innate desire to help others, in and outside of the work environment, is inspiring. For this and many other reasons, Ms. Keltgen deserves this recognition.
Ms. Keltgen is nothing short of amazing. She is a caring and giving person. Ms. Keltgen will stop and take the time to help those in need no matter the situation. She is always willing to research best practices for intervention to help our students become more successful in their learning. As a teacher and a parent I am so grateful to have such a fantastic role model at our school. Thank you Ms. Keltgen for all you do.
Jo has been my greatest supporter as I venture through the years as a 1st grade ESE inclusion teacher. I have had so many students of who have crossed paths with her for many various reasons. Jo is a beautiful soul and connects with students, parents and teachers on multiple levels. I'm in awe of her ability to simultaneously calm a situation down and amp up the problem solving at the same time. She is highly valued and I consider time spent in her presence as a learning opportunity. I know she has the best interest of all in mind in everything she does. I want to thank her everyday.
Ms. Keltgen is such a warm and friendly face when you walk into a meeting. She really ‘gets’ kids and teachers and parents always appreciate her professionalism when it comes to doing what is best for kids. Thank Ms.Keltgen, you are a life changer in every sense of the word.
The thing that I admire most about Jo is that she always knows exactly what to say and how to say it and she does so eloquently. She can make the worst news sound hopeful. She has the ability to see every angle of a situation. She is not only an important asset to the children, she’s invaluable to the teachers. I’ve learned so much from her.
Joan is one of the most compassionate people I know. She always finds the positive in every situation. She makes time for the students and teachers and takes the the time to truly listen. Our school is truly blessed to have Joan as a part of our family.
Ms. Keltgen is a wonderful person. She is always smiling and has such a positive outlook. She tested my son when he was in fifth grade and he mentioned how nice she was. She has a way of making others feel comfortable and is always available to answer questions even if not related to a school issue. She is a great listener, professional and considers all the information given to her. She is an asset to any school or position she covers.
Ms. Keltgen is a life changer in every sense of the word. She is a dedicated and passionate professional that always goes beyond expectation to help our students succeed in an educational setting. She is kind, compassionate, and has a work ethic that makes her stand out amongst the rest. Our school is so very proud to have her be nominated for this award, even though we know she is a winner either way!
Joan Keltgen is an such an asset to our school. Her warm and calm demeanor is so welcoming to the children and teachers she interacts with. She values teachers opinions and input on their students and takes them all into consideration. She is very professional and positive and such a pleasure to work with. She truly is a life changer for her students and we are so lucky to have her!
Ms Keltgen is the best. She is always there when we need her.
Ms. Keltgen is wonderful at her job. Her kindness and warmth puts everyone, from the students to the staff, at ease. She is welcoming, and always has a kind word. It is a privilege to have her as a part of our school.
When I think about Joan "Jo" the words welcoming, professional, open-minded, friendly, cheerful, positive, and hard-working come to mind. Jo is the one who takes her time with students when she first meets them and makes sure they are comfortable with her. Jo explains everything thoroughly to parents and teachers and continues to answer questions if needed. I don't know how many times I've seen her in the hall and stopped her to ask a question about a student or data and she always takes the time to answer them! I couldn't imagine us having anyone different at our school and I am so happy that teachers and students have her in their corner. Jo is a great school psychologist and great at what she does!
Jo does a wonderful job supporting our teachers and students! Jo takes a team approach to problem solving and is always willing to lend a hand when needed. Jo always looks for the good in students and in every situation! She’s positive and professional!
Last year Jo went above and beyond for a second grade student struggling to come to school. She worked with the family and school to create an action plan. The plan was very successful and the child is thriving this year. She always goes above and beyond to connect with kids!
Jo has also done a fabulous job supporting teachers with both academic and behavior interventions as part of our School Based Team Process.
We are truly blessed to have Jo on our team and she is definitely a Life Changer!
What a well deserved nomination. Jo's kind and comforting demeanor sets the tone for productive meetings.It's rare to see Jo without a smile on her face and her positivity is contagious! She is always willing to help with student needs or teacher concerns. She is a wealth of valuable resource for teachers, students, and parents and our school is so fortunate to have her here! Congratulations Jo! :)
Joan is an amazing lady all around! She is always smiling and makes the students feel safe and comfortable around her. She is definitely a team player and goes above and beyond her actual job description.
