LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Heather Yarbrough was nominated by her colleague, Mysti Byrd.

Ms. Yarbrough has an innate ability to tap into the heartbeat of the students and staff at Endeavor Elementary School. She leads with the motto that students and staff are all valued, loved, and respected. She backs up her beliefs with programs such as on-site counseling for staff and students, a staff daycare for better retention of quality teachers, and a multitude of professional development opportunities that help staff improve their instruction and dive into trauma-based teaching for students' needs. She has worked alongside the school counselor to provide a pantry for families, as well.

At Endeavor, Ms. Yarbrough has guided staff to see the whole child and connect with families. In turn, this leads to relationships of trust where students can take risks in their learning and reach their goals beyond the school walls. Before becoming principal, she was the school's instructional coach. She listened and provided staff with whatever they needed to be there for kids. Ms. Yarbrough will never take credit for her accomplishments; she is always stating that the work of her students and staff is what makes school so great. She is a forward thinker who is always striving to bring students to the next level.

"I have been asked many times in my career, 'Why Nampa? Why Endeavor?'" Byrd said. "I can only answer with this: when you are in our building, you will feel it. There is an energy for the love of learning, of passion to help kids succeed, and of an administrator who truly wants to embrace the community within our walls. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I am excited to continue to grow and learn alongside the most amazing staff and a principal with the biggest heart. She makes this school feel like home. What a honor it would be to recognize her with something like a LifeChanger award. I know she has definitely changed mine! Go, Rockets!"