LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gwendolyn Stockwell

Position: Retiring School Psychologist
School: Copper Country Learning Center
School District: Copper Country Intermediate School District
City, State: Hancock, MI

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Gwendolyn Stockwell was nominated by her colleague, Carla Strome.

Ms. Stockwell was hired at Copper Country ISD in March of 1997. As a school psychologist, it's her role to assess students and use the results while working with teachers, administrators, and families to establish the best possible learning environment and goals for the student. Any time a student is referred for testing for potential special education services, it can be emotionally difficult for the student and their parents. Ms. Stockwell has the ability to put students and families at ease. She's a calm, kind, sensible voice at the table as a team strives to design an Individualized Eduction Plan appropriate for the student.

Ms. Stockwell is truly one of a kind and an amazing example to all around her! When recently asked to reflect on their experience working with Ms. Stockwell, her colleagues shared the following thoughts:

"I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Gwen. Her kindness, compassion, and generosity always stood out most to me. These positive qualities, along with her dedication and commitment to her job, have had a lasting impact on the lives of so many students and families in the Copper Country."

"I have loved working with Gwen because she always puts the student first. During MET and IEP meetings, she was very good at explaining results and information in a way that parents and other team members could understand. Gwen is friendly, caring, and knowledgeable!"

"I have known Gwen for over 20 years. She has always been extremely kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. She always has the best interest of the student, family, school, and ISD community in mind when working as a School Psychologist."

Ms. Stockwell was an original member of the Learn to Read committee at Copper Country ISD, which formed in 2005. The committee was made up of district representatives and ISD personnel. The purpose of the committee was to explore ways to help improve reading instruction in the 13 CCISD area schools. Ms. Stockwell wrote the original CCISD Response To Intervention document, which introduced districts to the foundational ideas of what we now call Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Her vast knowledge of research-supported strategies for literacy and behavior influenced districts throughout the region to adopt many research-based practices, which made a positive impact on literacy instruction and approaches to classroom management.

Ms. Stockwell was an integral part of the CCISD MTSS committee when it started in 2012. She always volunteered to take notes for the group. She was a key provider of the training sessions for teachers and served as a coach for several districts. Her patient direction and encouragement, along with her deep knowledge base and calm demeanor, moved the implementation of MTSS in CCISD forward. Michigan state testing scores in reading around the region increased as a result of the team effort.

Ms. Stockwell was also one of the founding members and the long-term secretary of Simple Kindness for Youth (SKY), which provides grants to students across Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties. SKY grants are used to pay for things like clothing, books, extracurricular activities, and other items for students who cannot otherwise afford them. SKY has given out over $100,000 in grants to local youth in the Copper Country area. This is pretty impressive when you consider the total enrollment of the K-12 schools in the region is approximately 6600 students! Ms. Stockwell has also been heavily involved in the fundraising efforts for the organization.

"Gwen has been a much admired member of the CCISD staff," said Strome. "When asked about Gwen, colleagues often mention her kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, generosity, and humbleness. Staff share that they deeply appreciate her knowledge, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to her job. Many staff have mentioned that Gwen puts the best interest of students and families first. Gwen is friendly and relatable, and she cares deeply for others. The region is a better place because of her efforts over the past 24 years. She will be deeply missed!"

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Comments (6)

Senia Kuntze Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Gwen for many years in the Student Assistant Team and Special Education Evaluation process. During this time, I have held the role of General Educator, Special Educator, and Parent. Gwen had a special way of making all participants feel at ease and valued. She listened and validated the feelings and thoughts of parents and teachers. Gwen was sincere in her care for the students she worked with and she always found the positives and encouraged others to do so, as well. Personally, when I began my role as a Special Educator, Gwen was an amazing mentor to me. I looked forward to her presence in my meetings, as her support and reassurance gave me confidence in my new role. Her expertise and approach to assisting students in need of additional supports and interventions will be greatly missed.

Monica Markham Posted over a year ago

Gwen served as a school psychologist and an MTSS coach for our district for many years. She is such a special person, and I truly feel honored to have worked with her through the years. She was an outstanding MTSS coach. She was always able to point out the positives and encourage our team as we worked through building stronger systems. She was there with the right support throughout the ups and downs of this process. As a school psychologist, her genuine care and concern for every individual student was evident. She was always a peaceful presence at meetings that can sometimes be difficult. She was a wealth of information for both teachers and families. Gwen's personality is not one to seek the spotlight; however, she is very deserving of the Lifechanger of the Year award.

JennyMeade Butler Posted over a year ago

Gwen served as our coach for our school's MTSS team. She masterfully led us with the right mix of autonomy and guidance--she instinctively knows when to give space and when to nudge. Gwen excels at guiding teams focused on obstacles to look instead at what is possible within the given confines. Gwen treats every single person with kindness and care, while still holding them accountable for the work. Gwen is a humble person who never seeks recognition. Gwen seeks and finds common ground and connection with all. She is awesome!

Christina Norland Posted over a year ago

Gwen is a faithful example of how to care for others. She is consistent in her support of children, standard of integrity, and self-sacrifice. Through her deep concern and care for the more vulnerable and needy among us, Gwen has positively changed many young lives, leaving a lasting impact.

Kristina Penfold Posted over a year ago

Gwen was a quiet leader within our organization. She was always kind and thoughtful about her approach with staff and students. She was innovative and very supportive of staff and students as she supported locals schools in their implementation of Multi Tiered Systems of Support.

Lynnette Borree Posted over a year ago

Gwen is an amazing human being....kind to animals and people alike. She has truly dedicated her life to helping others, especially the most vulnerable among us. Gwen has worked for many years as a school psychologist, has volunteered for the Copper Country Humane Society, and was a founding member of a charitable organization to help kids in a 3 county area to provide funds for them to remove financial obstacles that get in the way of them reaching their potential. As a result, hundreds of kids have received winter jackets, boots, music lessons, medical equipment, and much more. Gwen is humble and loved by everyone that has had the opportunity to work with her.