LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Colleen Davis was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Davis is responsible for 3rd–4th 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 her students’ parents or guardians, often guiding them with various family issues. Ms. Davis 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. Davis holds classroom lessons on life issues. She coordinates student intervention team meetings and takes care of the Safety Committee phone tree. She also helps with holiday gift giving as part of a team that collects, shops, and wraps gifts for needy families. In past years, she was the leader of the student council, coordinating charity drives with student council members.

"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. Davis goes above and beyond what is expected on many occasions, working side by side with another school counselor, Julie Baran, and school 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. Colleen deserves recognition for all that she does for Bolivar Road School and the Chittenango School District, both individually and as part of a fantastic team."