Music that Describes Helen
Helen Davis was nominated by her colleague, Kari McCollough.
Ms. Davis has worked for Wilson County Schools as its only physical therapist for over 10 years. A few years ago, due to her large caseload, it was determined that she would get an assistant to help her serve all of the students who received physical therapy. Even when she got assistance, Ms. Davis continued to work hard with all of the students each month.
Ms. Davis always has a smile on her face. She expects her students to work hard and loves each and every one of them. She celebrates their accomplishments with the students, teachers, other service providers, and best of all, the parents. This school year has forced her to be even more creative with services, as many of the students haven't returned to school due to their medical conditions. She has jumped in headfirst trying to provide her students with the services they need. She's collaborating with families and having them assist her with doing the activities the kids need to grow in their gross motor skills.
During the pandemic, the biggest fear for most parents, teachers, and service providers of special needs students has been ensuring the kids do not lose skills and hopefully gain skills. Ms. Davis has gone above and beyond to ensure that each of her students continues to progress. She's also very excited to see her former students out in the community excelling in all they are doing. She continues to celebrate them whenever she sees them and their families in the community.
"Helen has inspired many teachers to always look on the positive side and not let kids give up, even when they struggle to succeed," said McCollough.
Congratulations, Helen!! What an honor for you and for the Physical Therapy profession. I am so proud of you!
Paula
Helen Davis, who is my daughter-in-law, has been nominated for Life Changer of the Year. She was employed by the Wilson County School System as Physical Therapist (recently retired). She worked hard to help the physically challenged students. She cared for her students and wanted them to be able to function in and enjoy a better life. She worked with her students in a loving and caring manner to help them reach their full potential. She had a successful career while helping to rear a family of four sons. Her family also participated in community and school activities. It is my opinion that Helen is very worthy of the Life Changer of the Year award.
I have known Helen since her senior year in high school. My first impression of her was that she is a very competitive person. The amazing thing about this is that her competitive nature hasn’t changed. In high school, college and even in her post educational journey, Helen remained competitive. Throughout her professional career, Helen’s competitive nature, positively influenced anyone that worked closely with her. Helen did not like to lose! It doesn’t matter what the challenge is, Helen will encourage you to do better than you think you can do. She will soon celebrate her 40th wedding anniversary, helped rear four young men, tirelessly attended to her 105 year old aunt and just recently announced her retirement. Throughout all of this, Helen remained competitive. Competitive by nature and competitive with God’s spirit in a manner that she used to encourage those closest to her to do better than they might think they could do. I have always known Helen to be a positive spirit. Her positive spirit is infectious and I can’t think of a better quality when working with today’s youth. For these reasons, Helen Davis is a perfect positive Life Changer—-exactly what is needed in our public school system.
When I think of the words recognition, compassion and commitment, only one person comes mind, and that is Helen Davis. Her work over the years with children is remarkable. She wants those children to reach each and every goal she gives them, and is there biggest cheerleader. She is so deserving of this award.
I am one of Helen's cousins. I have not been privileged to see her in her work setting. But I have been privileged to see her as a devoted wife, devoted mother, devoted daughter an a devoted niece. She has a very large heart for those she interacts with and feels responsible for. Helen is a model of love and care for the people in her life. That love and care is seen and deeply felt by the recipients of those who have been fortunate to get to know her. I have seen the perseverance and dedication she puts forth in always trying to do the right thing all the time. Helen is so consistently this way in all that she does and who she is as a person all the time. I am glad she is my cousin and my friend. Leon Turlington.
Helen has a heart for her kids and a love for doing her job well. She puts others first and tirelessly does what we she can to make sure her kids get the best care. Helen is deserving of this honor. She is a beautiful example of hard work and dedication!!!
Congratulations, Helen! This is an honor that is so well/deserved! Your work with children has impacted so many lives!
Helen is and has been a life changer for all the years I have known her(45+). She is a wonderful sister-in-law to me. The term “life changer” is so appropriate for Helen and her husband Parker. I know personally because they were a big part of my becoming a Christian. They prayed with me and for me. Helen even gave me her Bible. In addition to her professional career, she and Parker raised 4 boys and took excellent care of her 105 year old aunt. She is someone I admire and love.
Helen is my wife of, soon to be, 40 years. Her career as a Physical Therapist (PT) has spanned these 40 years, except for a brief stint as a stay at home Mom for our 4 sons when they were young (and to care for her Mother who had re-occurring cancer). Helen has worked in numerous environments during her PT career (hospital, clinic, home health, and public schools). Her enthusiasm and drive to improve the lives of her students has been just as strong and vibrant this past year (even with the challenges of "virtual PT"!) as it has been in all her previous years in serving her patients/students. She has not only handled her PT career, but has helped me raise 4 sons (now ages 35, 34, 32, and 26) and, for the past 15 years, has been the sole caretaker for her Aunt Iris (who recently passed away at age 105!). My wife is a awesome example of a positive Life Changer of many, many people that have crossed her path. #LCOY
Thank you Helen for your compassion and concern for your students!
Ms. Davis has been a joy to work with. She is very knowledgeable with physical therapy and how the best practices can be applied to our students with special needs. Her fire, drive, passion are incredible. The entire EC department are very proud of the Ms. Davis!
Wilson County Schools has been truly blessed to have Ms. Davis as a physical therapist. She is one of the most caring and positive people I've ever met, and she loves the students as if they were one of her own children. She has been recognized with awards at the local and state level for her expertise and dedication. She will be missed, and I wish her all the best on her retirement!
She is the best caregiver and can multitask better than anyone I know love her
