LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Krista Sain was nominated by her principal, Nancy Copeland.

Ms. Sain has been serving as counselor at Central Elementary for 17 years. She is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the state of Oklahoma. Ms. Sain makes a difference each and every day at Central Elementary. Her school has approximately 370 students, and Ms. Sain knows and has a relationship with every single one of them. She teaches a Character Counts class in addition to her counseling responsibilities. Her students love and respect her very much. She makes such a positive impact with her students that many return after they graduate high school to stay in touch, reach out for advice, and help from time to time. Some of her current students' parents were Ms. Sain's previous students, so the impact and relationships stay strong and change the community in a very positive way.

Ms. Sain is there to help, regardless of the circumstances. There are numerous situations that arise, such as clothing issues, hygiene issues, challenges at home, fears, anxiety, and many more. Students trust Ms. Sain and are quick to seek her out on any issues they are having. Relationships such as this are very unique to the majority of schools and establish a foundation that can last a lifetime.

Ms. Sain’s Character Counts classes makes a huge difference in Central’s atmosphere and discipline issues. She teaches students about the good traits needed to become outstanding citizens. Students begin to internalize these traits, and they want to display these traits on a daily basis.

Teachers and parents alike are extremely appreciative for her daily involvement with Central students. Her leadership at Central is a standard for all other staff members. Her commitment to her students produces the ideal nurturing atmosphere that so many students desperately need. She communicates her concerns about issues students are facing, which helps other teachers provide that same nurturing atmosphere in their classrooms. Working together, they are able to fill gaps Ms. Sain has made them aware of and ultimately help their students become more successful and make better choices.

Ms. Sain is constantly staying updated on methods of support, intervention and guidance to better understand and deal with students and parents on a daily basis. She is able to give insight and share her knowledge with staff. She goes above and beyond what is expected each day.

In addition, Ms. Sain is the state testing coordinator at Central. Her involvement is vital to testing procedures being reviewed and followed. She meets with teachers and establishes testing dates and times, acquires monitors, passes out tests, and boxes testing materials to be returned. She is also responsible for WIDA testing and all paperwork on ELL students.

Ms. Sain models and encourages high moral and ethical standards with each role she participates in every day. Her modeling of these standards is key to students learning and making these standards an automatic practice.

"Ms. Sain wears many hats and is a vital part of Central Elementary," said Copeland. "We value the difference she makes with our students, teachers and parents."