LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Julie Baran

Position: School counselor
School: Bolivar Road Elementary School
School District: Chittenango Central Schools
City, State: Chittenango, NY

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Julie Baran was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Baran is responsible for K-2nd grade students, and is a key member of the staff who helps students every day. She holds student group sessions along with individual student sessions, counseling them in many diverse areas that affect them at school and at home. She is also in contact with many of these students’ parents or guardians, often guiding them with various family issues. Ms. Baran works closely with outside agencies in some cases, as well. Many of the issues facing these students are not pleasant or easy situations, but she handles them with patience, care, understanding, and confidentiality, along with an overall sense of security and comfort for the students and their families.

Ms. Baran holds classroom lessons on life issues. She hosts parent groups that offer programs to help with parenting issues. She also helps with holiday gift giving as part of a team who collects, shops, and wraps gifts for needy families. Additionally, she is a girls sports coach for various sports in the district.

"She is called upon many, many times during the day to help with students who are having behavioral or emotional issues. During these times, she is always calm and soothing, yet she carries strength and creativity to tackle the problem," her nominator said.

When she is called upon to service students, she does so without hesitation if she is available. Ms. Baran goes above and beyond what is expected on many occasions. She does work side by side with another school counselor, Colleen Davis, and our psychologist, Erin Allen.

"Together they make an excellent counseling team. They work well together, are very willing to cover each other no matter the grade level or the familiarity with that student, and are flexible. Not only do they help our students, but they also help our staff when they need a shoulder to cry on, a hug, or mental wellness advice," her nominator said. "Each of these ladies has her own style and talents that they bring to Bolivar Road, but their teamwork binds them together and makes them a vital part of our school. Julie deserves recognition for all that she does for Bolivar Road and the Chittenango School District, both individually and as part of a fantastic team."

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Comments (9)

Nellie Posted over a year ago

Julie is forever positive, patient and thoughtful. The written description of her for this nomination characterizes her perfectly. She is always thinking of the whole, yet is so gifted with working with each individual. She’s sensitive, caring and effective; she helps make progress happen! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Julie.

Amanda M Powers Posted over a year ago

Julie has always been so calm, caring and collected. Important qualities for the young kids under her guidance. They're so lucky to have such a wonderful human in their corner in such formative years!

Carrie Ryder Posted over a year ago

Julie is an amazing person and I am proud to fully support her nomination. As stated above, she provides an exceptional level of “strength and creativity” in her role as counselor and confidant in her school and the community at large.

Jessica Paduano Posted over a year ago

Julie is definitely deserving of this award. Julie is the type of person who always puts others first. She is always there to listen, without judgement. She will offer advice, only if you ask. Julie is naturally positive and is the first to find the good in any situation. Julie Is the first person I go to for teaching, marriage, parenting and friendship advice. Julie and I played sports against one another in high school, attended college together and we have remained friends as adults. I can attest that Julie has exemplified these characteristics for decades; on and off the field, in the classroom and in her community. She has definitely been a life changer for me!

Elizabeth Knapp Posted over a year ago

Ive known Julie for over 20 years. She is capable, kind, intuitive and always shows strength and guidance in times of crisis.

Melody Halsey Posted over a year ago

Julie is very deserving of this award. She has a great sense of humor and positive attitude that she uses with students and staff. She helps to make others around her feel safe, comfortable, important, and reminds them to look on the lighter side of any situation. Julie is a key member of the Bolivar team.

Renee Burgess Posted over a year ago

Julie is an incredible counselor who always puts kids first. She is a team player who loves to work and collaborate with her colleagues. We are truly grateful to have Julie at Bolivar Road Elementary.

Sarah Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Baran is well deserving of this award. She always puts the students first. She does everything she can to help them succeed and feel good about themselves. She is also an amazing colleague. She is a total team player and I couldn't think of anybody better to receive this award.

Melissa Machan Posted over a year ago

Julie Baran is one of the most amazing counselors I have ever worked with. She has this incredible way about her in how she approaches and deals with situations, but more importantly how she helps and works with children. She gets to know them personally, builds trust and relationships, and empowers them with confidence and self worth. She also supports the teachers in our school to do the same - me being one of them. Julie always puts a child’s needs first and is able to make school a safe place for them to learn and grow. There are not many people like Julie and we are so very lucky to have her in our school and working with our children!