LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jena Simental was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Simental strives to create a classroom where every student feels welcomed, respected, and capable of succeeding. Many of her students come from different backgrounds and enter her classroom unsure of themselves or their future. Her goal is to make Room 400 a place where they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

As a Career and Technical Education Dental Assisting instructor, Ms. Simental balances high expectations with encouragement and support. Her students learn through hands-on activities, real-world simulations, collaborative labs, and interactive review games that keep learning engaging. She celebrates growth just as much as achievement, because confidence is often the first step toward success. She also emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, compassion, and communication—the same qualities students will need in the healthcare field. By building strong relationships with her students and showing them that she genuinely cares about their success, both inside and outside the classroom, Ms. Simental has been able to create an environment where students are excited to learn, support one another, and believe in their own potential.