LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jenn Strock was nominated by her principal, Thomas Warren Jr.

"Where do I begin with the best nurse I have ever worked with? I will start by saying no words can adequately do Jenn Strock justice. I will still do my best. Four words come to mind when attempting to summarize why Jenn is such a phenomenal school nurse; caring, knowledgeable, efficient, and ethical," said Warren.

Because of the nature of the position and how many students are seen throughout the course of a day, often times, nurses must have quick conversations with students, staff, and parents. It can be difficult balancing speed over one-on-one attention. Somehow, Ms. Strock makes everyone feel as if they are the most important person in the room. Her smile, tone of voice, eye contact, and demeanor is very welcoming. When speaking with Mrs. Strock, you feel like you are the only person she has spoken with all day. It doesn't matter that she might have five other students waiting, parents at the front door, or a bunch of contact tracing to do. When a child comes to her door, a parent calls her on the phone, or a staff member asks her a question, she always cares for the individual and provides support.

Mrs. Strock is extremely knowledgeable. She had a wealth of experience before coming to Forks Elementary School. She has worked as a registered nurse, care manager, family-based mental health professional, outreach educator, and a court advocate for domestic violence victims. As new situations arise at school, she will conduct research, reach out to doctors, and peers in her profession. She will never say she has all of the answers, but she'll research and find out an answer to clarify or address a situation. Through conversations with her, you feel the excitement she has when discovering new information that will help students and families.

Mrs. Strock uses her experiences and education to provide students with appropriate care. Her knowledge provides her school's child study team with a tremendous amount of guidance in order for them to create and implement plans to care for students. Staff members also lean on Mrs. Strock to provide them with information about their own personal health and challenges.

Mrs. Strock is always thinking of ways to improve her craft and be more efficient. She knows the more efficient she is, the more time she has to interact with students, staff, and parents. She is constantly asking questions on how certain things work. Sometimes, you wonder how her questions tie into her field of expertise. As she is obtaining more information, all of a sudden, you realize why she is asking certain questions. Then, you realize her question and answer made a situation/process better and/or more efficient.

"Jenn has the highest ethical standards of anyone I know," said Warren. "Jenn stands up for what she believes in, researches and educates others on proper care, and is not afraid to educate her superiors, especially those with no medical background. She always keeps the safety of her students in the forefront in everything she does."

"Jenn Strock is one of the most upbeat and kindest people I know. It is a privilege to work with her every day. Our staff love how caring and respectful she is to our students and staff. Whatever issues arise during the day, it is so refreshing to have her amazing attitude and supportive nature. She is a true leader in her field, and she impacts the positive environment of our school every day. Jenn has made a difference in our lives, and for our students, she is the top of her field. Our school is a safer place because of all the hard work Jenn Strock puts in. We are very fortunate to have her," said Warren.

Enjoy this song that best describes Jenn Strock: More Than a Hero, A Tribute to Nurses, by Vaness Chua.