LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kevin Hackbarth was nominated by his principal, Deanna Amstutz.

Mr. Hackbarth has worked at Wesley School for the past seven years as one of two nurses on staff. Wesley School is a special education school in Muskegon County that serves the needs of the most complex students in the county.  Wesley School has three programs (severely multiple impaired, severe cognitive impairment, and autism spectrum disorder) that meet the needs of about 70 students that attend daily. 

Having Mr. Hackbarth on staff allows Wesley School to provide an environment that is able to meet the serious medical needs of each student so that they may attend school with peers. Mr. Hackbarth does so much for each child, from planning care, to providing care and facilitating wrap-around services by contacting parents/guardians and physicians. These are only the tasks that are structured! Mr. Hackbarth is also able to address the ad-hoc medical needs of staff and students, including doing rapid COVID tests to ensure the staff is healthy to work, as well as executing immediate medical care in the event of a seizure, injury, or other medical need.

"Aside from providing direct care, Kevin is also an educator in our building and at the Lakeshore Learning Center, another center-based school in the Muskegon Area ISD," explains Amstutz. "Kevin trains staff in medicine delegation, distribution, and management, as well as CPR. Kevin also reviews medical information provided by parents/guardians and physicians. He provides consult to teachers and staff in order to provide the safest and most engaging environment for our students to learn."

"In addition to all of the tasks and responsibilities, Kevin embodies care and authenticity in everything he does. He honestly and clearly communicates that he cares for the well-being of each child and staff member in our building," said Amstutz. "He is the first one to ask, 'Are YOU okay? Do YOU need a break? What can I do?' He's the last to accept an offer of gratitude or thanks. Instead, he would rather place the focus elsewhere. Kevin's humor and candor can also change a heavy tense moment into one filled with laughter and smiles."

"Kevin is one in a million, and Wesley School is honored to have him on staff," said Amstutz.