LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amy Kandes was nominated by her colleague, Jill Chochol.

"Ms. Amy Kandes is one of our wonderful district nurses in Dearborn Public Schools," explains Chochol. "During the past two years, Ms. Kandes has made a demonstrated difference in the lives of students, parents, teachers, and all district stakeholders with her dedication to the health and safety of students and staff."

With the closure of schools in the state of Michigan on March 16th, 2020, Ms. Kandes remained connected with leaders in the county Department of Public Health.  Ms. Kandes brought factual information to the district and collaborated on the crisis team, which met regularly to develop process and protocols to keep all members of the school community safe.  

Ms. Kandes demonstrated strong leadership throughout the pandemic as staff and families communicated with her daily regarding their health. She presented factual information to the Dearborn Board of Education regarding masking, virus statistics, and prevention techniques. Ms. Kandes continues to engage in endless hours of consultation with district families and contract tracing as cases of the virus continue.

Ms. Kandes is a nurturing and caring individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the health and safety of students and staff in the Dearborn community.  She has demonstrated consistently strong ethical and moral standards, and she strives to provide individuals with as much information and support as she has available.