Cathy Farris was nominated by her colleague, George Sipple, who submitted a collection of quotes from other colleagues and students.
"Novi is so lucky to have such a great nurse who cares deeply about the well being of each child in the district," Lynn Gowen Rydzik, via Facebook.
"Thank you so much, Cathy, for everything you do for Novi students, staff and families! We truly appreciate you!" -- Michelle Rudy, via Facebook.
"Thank you, Cathy, for always trying to keep our kids healthy and safe for years," Terry Spence Griffith on Facebook.
Ms. Farris has worked for NCSD as a school nurse since 2011. She was promoted to lead district nurse during the 2020-2021 school year. She leads school safety training for all district employees. Ms. Farris also sets up a flu shot clinic each year for staff and CPR training for coaches and preschool staff.
"During the past 18 months, Cathy Farris has been an exemplary leader in the Novi Community School District," said Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent of the Novi Community School District. "She has become one of our key voices in addressing health issues throughout the district. COVID is obviously a significant concern. Ms. Farris has been a key contributor in the development of our COVID protocols. However, she has also been the primary lead in developing health protocols throughout the district that protect the health and safety of all students."
Ms. Farris is an exemplary communicator who's willing to answer calls from anyone in the school community. These calls not only serve to support and reassure parents and staff, but they ensure that the school district functions at a high level. Ms. Farris also serves as the district's COVID-19 liaison, keeping district administrators updated on constant health guidance and protocols from the CDC, state, and county.
"Not only was Cathy working hard during the school day contact tracing and answering questions, but she would drop everything to help out after school when there were cases or questions during sports practices. She helped the other coaches and I with rapid testing the student-athletes," said Paige Mielke, the athletic trainer for Novi High School. "Some days, she went home from work just to be called back again to do more contact tracing, but she was never without a smile! I was very lucky to have her help and guidance! "
Ms. Farris' leadership extends beyond the Novi Community School District. She is a region leader for Oakland County school nurses and serves as the vice president of the Michigan Association of School Nurses. She appeared on the "Educationally Speaking" podcast produced by Oakland Schools last year to discuss the Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative. Ms. Farris discussed how additional nurses helped provide public health strategies and direction to staff and students with the goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Ms. Farris also advocated for NCSD to bring on additional nursing staff after the OTCSNI funding ended following the 2020-2021 school year. Danielle Stacer, who was part of the Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative, was hired by NCSD as a district nurse under Farris.
"Cathy welcomed me with open arms, even when everything around us was so uncertain," said Stacer. "She took me to every school and introduced me to all the staff. It was immediately clear that she had an amazing relationship with everyone in the district. When I communicated changes made by Oakland County (last year), the respect NCSD leadership had for Cathy helped make those transitions smooth."
Ms. Farris graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Madonna in 1996. She worked at Children's Hospital in the pediatric ICU from 1998 to 2015. She has worked in the pediatric cardio-thoracic ICU at CS Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor since 2015. Some NCSD students also know her from her past role as a dance teacher at a local studio. Additionally she gives medical training to Novi High Med Careers students. Ms. Farris is also a mother of four, including two recent Novi High graduates.
Cathy has been amazing especially answering my calls for after the traditional K-12 program hours end. She has helped me many a times with my evening students who were not feeling well or I needed some guidance to direct them. Thank You Cathy for taking my calls at night
Cathy your knowledge and caring spirit touches us daily in one way or another. WE appreciate you!!!
I am continually awed by Cathy Farris' work ethic, dedication, kindness, and compassion. She knows and cares deeply for all our students, families, and staff at NCSD. Cathy is always willing to help, share her expertise, and selflessly give her time to make NSCD a safe place. She is a life changer!
Cathy is more than a work colleague; she is a friend. I watch her help staff and students every day, and yet she always finds time to help friends. She is extremely dedicated and goes above and beyond what is expected of her. I am grateful to Cathy for many things, including our friendship. She is deserving of the Lifechanger of the Year award, this year and every year.
Cathy is very deserving of this Lifechanger of the Year Award. Over the past 10 years, I have seen Cathy in action countless times teaching classes to both staff and students as well as answering questions at presentations and one-on-one. She is unfailingly patient and positive with everyone she encounters.
Just recently, Cathy went out of her way to call me with detailed answers about all of my quarantine questions. I truly couldn’t have been more thankful to her.
Cathy, you are so appreciated by my family as well as by the entire NCSD.
Thank you for all you do! I don't know how you manage to have time for everyone, what I do know, is that no matter what time of the day you're always there to answer our question. Cathy you're an amazing human being and you deserve this nomination.
Kathy, Thank you for all of your guidance during a very challenging year at school. It was comforting to know that I could email, call or text you anytime with questions. You're the best! -Jessica
Cathy is an amazing nurse, colleague and friend! She is extremely knowledgeable, relatable and kind. Cathy puts kids and staff above herself, always going the extra mile to help and support. Cathy works tirelessly to ensure that staff are prepared and equip to support the safety and health of students at school. She gives SO MUCH of her time, and always with a smile and a positive attitude. She is such a valuable part of our school community. Thank you Cathy for all of your hard work and dedication, you are appreciated!
Cathy, your dedication to our school district and our students is amazing. I feel empowered and supported as a teacher and as a parent of a child in the district! THANK YOU!
Cathy Farris is absolutely wonderful. She has always gone above and beyond to assist our staff and students. She is so calm, very detailed, and pleasant to all she comes in contact with. She is a lifechanger that needs to be recognized!
Cathy has been a wonderful colleague to work with supporting our students at Novi Middle School in their academic, emotional, and social success. Her passion for the LOVE of Novi is seen every day in her effortless work ethic. Thank you Cathy for all you do : )
Cathy you are always available to everyone when needed. Thank you for always doing such an amazing job
I actually watched Cathy save a man’s life as he was having a heart attack a few years ago. She was calm, cool, and didn’t even break a sweat. She is phenomenal. She truly has passion for the work she does and the people she does it for. She is outstanding!!
Cathy,
You have supported our district in so many ways. Thank you for all the reassurance, direction and quality of care you continue to give each of us.
You are a "Golden Star" in our community.
We are so blessed and privileged to have such an amazing nurse like Cathy!!!
Cathy has served as both my left and right hand over the past two years helping us to navigate so very many difficult opportunities. She is thoughtful, kind, dedicated, and indispensable. Thank you for all that you provide for our staff, students, and families! You are appreciated!!
I am so lucky that I have gotten to know Cathy over the years since she is at Novi Middle. Her smile is contagious and her compassion is out of this world. We are so lucky to have her in the district.
Cathy Farris has been a lifechanger for me here in Novi! I am new to the district and she made the time to assist me with my questions, my students and their allergies. Cathy shows knowledge, kindness, and professionalism! It is not always easy coming into a new district, she made me feel welcomed and informed. I am blessed to know her!
In addition to being an incredible healthcare professional, Cathy Farris is a phenomenal educator. She provides direct instruction to Medical Career Exploration students and Medical Math students inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Ms. Farris genuinely loves what she does which makes her an incredible role model. Additionally, Ms. Farris educates staff and families which improves our community health.
Congratulations! Working with you is such a pleasure; your committment to the district and the community is so awesome! During COVID we not only were co-workers, but became friends. You are truly deserving of this award my friend!
Cathy Farris is a top-notch individual, both as a nurse, a colleague and a mother. She is always giving of her time and expertise and has really shaped consistent health protocols in our district; keeping us all safe and healthy. I can't say enough about her character and contribution to the Novi Community School District!
Cathy has been a vital part of our annual 8th Grade DC Trip. She developed a process for kids to complete emergency forms, submit medication, and receive assistance from chaperones during the trip. That process is now used for field trips throughout the district. She is thorough and organized, going above and beyond to meet with or call parents after school hours. She communicates clearly, is realistic, and solves problems that always seem likely to occur when working with over 350 families each year. She has been an amazing asset to our program through the years.
Cathy is so responsive to the needs of our staff, students, and parents. She is caring, thoughtful, and goes above and beyond to answer questions and concerns. Novi is truly lucky to have her!
I can not think of anyone more deserving of the Life Changer award. She is always so patient and professional. Mrs. Farris is always friendly and her knowledge and time is greatly appreciated! Thank you, Cathy, for always trying to keep our kids, staff and community healthy and safe!!
We are truly lucky to have Cathy at the Middle School! She works so hard to make sure that we understand how to react to different medical situations and we know that she is there if we ever need her. Cathy always answers questions or addresses concerns that arise, and she responds in a caring and compassionate way. She is amazing!!!
Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Cathy! We are so lucky to have you! Please know how much you are loved and appreciated!
Cathy is such an amazing community member. I teach a Medical Careers Exploration course and Cathy is one of the student's favorite guest speakers. She comes each semester to teach students how to read vital signs and spends two days in the classroom. When Mrs. Farris learned that the students could not shadow medical workers due to the ongoing pandemic, she gave up additional time to come in and speak about her other job: pediatric cardiology. It was so special for the students and really inspired them. One student even wrote in her end of semester reflection paper "My interest in pediatric cardiology first came from when Nurse Farris came to talk about this exact topic. I was fascinated by the equipment they used to treat pediatric patients (such as the Berlin Heart) and was inspired when Nurse Farris told us how rewarding this career path could be." This is just one small example of the ways Cathy Farris is a life changer and saver for our community.
Thanks for always being available to everyone in the entire district! Somehow you are able to give your attention to each person who needs you out of the thousands in NCSD everyday. Thanks for all you do!
Cathy is the BEST! It doesn't matter how busy she is (and she's busy!), she always makes time for us at Village Oaks. I'm grateful we have such a friendly knowledgeable nurse when we need her!
Cathy, you are amazing! Thank you for all you do! We are so blessed to have you on our team!
We are so lucky to have Cathy as part of our crew. She is truly wonderful. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.
Our district is so very fortunate to be able to call Cathy "our own." She is a familiar, friendly, and knowledgeable presence to be found in every single one of our buildings. Although Mrs. Farris has such a tremendous caseload, she is readily accessible by phone or email, and is responsive to any emergency or stressful situation, for students, staff, and families with concerns. Cathy is such a LifeChanger in that she makes it clear that she is always here to support and care for our students in any situation. For our staff, Cathy has consistently provided health and safety education with a fun and positive attitude that really helps to keep the information relevant and useful. Thank you Cathy!
Ms. Farris is truly a life saver..She is always a phone call away and truly dedicated to her profession. Although it has been a busy and exhausting two years she always seems to have that smile and laughter with her.
Ms. Farris has been a LifeSaver, Lifechanger to many parents, students and staff in this district.
Cathy Farris is so appreciated and valued at the ECEC! She collaborates with us daily to ensure that we are keeping our young Wildcats and awesome staff healthy. She is always readily available day or night to answer any of our questions or concerns. Her vast knowledge and calm demeanor help us to feel confidant that we are providing a safe environment for our students!
Yes to Cathy Farris! I can't think of anyone more deserving of this fabulous award. I had to ask her for guidance over my first year at Meadows and she was so patient and helpful. She truly cares about ALL of us. We are so lucky to have her in our lives.
Thank you so much Cathy for always sharing your medical knowledge, being our words of wisdom, a shoulder to lean on, a co-worker and friend. No matter what kind of day you have or are having, you are always making yourself available to all who needs you and always, always with a smile on your face. Thank you so much for being that one person we never realized how much we needed and who we couldn't be without. You make our Novi Family complete. xo :)
Cathy you are an amazing part of our school district, the strength and support you have for all of us is absolutely amazing. You have helped us all in so many ways and we couldn't have gotten through these tough times without you. Thank you for everything you have done and I want you to know how much you are loved and appreciated!!
Cathy Farris is not only an amazing nurse but a phenomenal human being!!! She is always available and willing to help- the definition of a team player. I am so lucky to know her and work with her!
Cathy has been so accommodating and easy to work with. Always available when we need her. We are blessed to have such a wonderful nurse working in our district. Thank you Cathy!
Your commitment to our students and our community has been nothing short of OUTSTANDING over your career here. A true lifesaver :)
Mrs. Farris is an absolute professional. Her compassion and care for others has impacted our entire school district and community, and her willingness to listen deeply without judgement has made all the difference throughout the pandemic. It is an honor and privilege to call her friend, mentor, and colleague. Cathy Farris is a Lifechanger!
Nurse Farris has been a wonderful help to me and my family this past year! When my mom was concerned about following the correct quarantine guidelines, Nurse Farris took the time to have a lengthy phone conversation to re-explain them and allay her worries.
In addition, Nurse Farris has been working incredibly hard to help make our Novi HOSA States trip possible in February. She has attended our meetings, answered parent questions, reviewed dozens of health forms and so, so much more.
I can't imagine anyone more deserving for this award than Nurse Farris!
Cathy truly is a lifesaver in every way!!! She is always so patient and reassuring. She is able to communicate in positive and calm manner. She has come to my classroom to help kids in need and has counseled them through various issues. She is always available either in person, via email or text and never makes you feel like you are a bother. She is amazing in every single way!!!
As a parent in the district, I can't say enough about how Cathy has gone above and beyond. She's been quick to answer a text if there are any questions or concerns that we've had about Covid. She's always friendly and her knowledge and time is greatly appreciated!
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Life Changer award. Cathy beautifully intersects the many hats she wears to benefit the lives of people she interacts with in all aspects of her life. She is always willing to educate & support her community. She has had a meaningful impact on her patients, students & community during the most challenging Covid years. Thank you for your service.
Cathy has worked with the novi schools transportation department over the years. Making us aware of what to do in emergency situations and how to administer Eli pens etc when needed.
She has a positive attitude and is always available to answer any questions we have for her. She has worked tirelessly to keep the district safe and healthy.
