LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Angela Alivodaj, also known as "Nurse A," was nominated by her principal, Dr. Graysen Walles.

"Our school is a Title I school, and our needs are quite significant, as poverty impacts many of our students in unique ways," said Dr. Walles. "We needed someone who understood this and was willing to show up with their shirt sleeves rolled up, ready to grind. Nurse A has been that person for us."

This is Nurse A's second year on staff as a new school nurse. She moved into K-12 education after working in a hospital, which is huge. Besides her normal duties working with students with ailments, Nurse A has been intricately involved with her school's COVID procedures and procotols. It's a demanding job, and few people could pull off both responsibilities. She does this with grace and professionalism and ensures that there is quality customer service to all students throughout the day.

Furthermore, Nurse A serves the needs of the adult staff, too. There have been several times where she has seen staff in the hallways and could tell they weren't looking well just by her interactions with them. For these staff members, she provided a wellness check on the spot. She has no real time to do that, but she makes it happen. She is beyond proficient and competent, and her amazing attitude makes her a tremendous human being to be around.

"I don't see how we at Tanglewood Middle could operate efficiently without Nurse A.  She is a cornerstone to this school; far from a luxury, she and her talent are a need," said Dr. Walles. "When I see Nurse A coming through the doors, it takes a tremendous amount of stress off of my shoulders, becuase I know she is the only person here that can do what she does. With the high level of medication needs, frequent accidents, injuries, and other incidents that require medical attention, there is no question that our school nurse literally saves lives in the building due to her quick attention, proficiency, and wisdom.  

"Nurse A fits the needs of our school and genuinely cares for our people.  She's amazing and our superhero," said Dr. Walles.