LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Cristina Domicoli was nominated by her colleague and former teacher, Jane Harmon.

There are times when people cross our life's path, and we wonder why we keep bumping into these individuals.  Sometimes, these people can be individuals who irritate us. Other times, we are blessed to encounter inspirational people who make a difference in the lives of others.  Ms. Domicoli is the latter, and she embodies the characteristics of a LifeChanger.

Ms. Domicoli is pictured with a piglet because she was the counselor in charge of agriculture at Don Lugo High School.  Under her supervision and assistance, students successfully bred a sow as part of a Supervised Agriculture Experience.  She received a California Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Bronze Award.  The State STAR Adult award programs recognize high school administrators, FFA advisors, counselors, teachers, and campus staff who provide outstanding service to the local FFA program.  The award is designed to recognize those who go above and beyond to provide opportunities for their students and their chapter to grow and improve.

"Cristina has always gone the extra mile.  I know this because she was a student of mine," said Harmon. "Cristina was in my Spanish class and was a true leader among her peers.  She was always very helpful and had a positive, encouraging disposition in class.  I learned she was an outstanding student since preschool because I happened to choose Cristina for a case study I needed to complete in order to clear my teaching credential.  I feel like I have known Cristina all her life, and she has always been exceptional."

While working on her own counseling credential, Ms. Domicoli interned at Ruben S. Ayala High School.  The staff was impressed with her professionalism, and she was quickly hired by the district at Don Lugo High School.  This year, she transferred to Ayala High School, her alma mater.  She and Harmon would soon be colleagues.

"One afternoon, I had to take a shuttle to a car dealership.  In casual conversation with my driver, I learned she had graduated from Don Lugo High School," said Harmon. "I asked her if she knew a counselor, Cristina Domicoli, who had just transferred to Ayala.  The young lady said, 'I would not have graduated if it wasn't for Ms. Domicoli.  She encouraged me to try harder and I ended up graduating because of her.  I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her.'  As an intervention counselor, Cristina made an impact on this student, and I was able to bare witness to the wonderful result of her caring and nurturing spirit."

"Cristina Domicoli is a LifeChanger.  She is an inspiration; whether it's to students in the field of agriculture, or to students at risk of graduating, or to a former teacher on a daily basis. Cristina has made a positive impact on others, and we are leading more productive lives because of her influence," said Harmon.