LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dan Spaulding was nominated by his principal, Cara Cascadden.

For 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has worked as a behavioral interventionist with adolescents with mental health struggles. He has committed his life to helping young people see how important they are and what they are capable of becoming. He exemplifies everything you'd look for in a LifeChanger; he is friendly, respectful, transparent, a team player, and someone who creates a safe environment and goes above and beyond, almost to a fault.  

Mr. Spaulding has a presence with vulnerable youth that can not be taught. He's a natural leader and teacher who can simplify directions in a way that any student is able to hear and willing to follow. His natural demeanor is one that exudes respect for students. He treats everyone as equals and sets a high bar by modeling for the students that he believes they are capable of doing great things.

Mr. Spaulding not only does his job, but he is always helping others. He should likely have an honorary teaching degree and clinical degree by now.  He understands students' mental health needs, and he has been an assistant and substitute teacher countless times.

"Any time we offer a student the option to pick their staff member to work with, they pick Dan. It's the same for staff. When pods or teams work together, Dan is always a staff favorite because you can expect him to give his 110%. He will go the extra mile to bring humor and hard work to any situation. He always has a dad joke to tell and loves to entertain," said Cascadden.

Mr. Spaulding is a natural cheerleader for both students and staff. He was recently celebrated as Staff of the Week. Here are just a few of the kudos staff gave him:

Dan, a master of warmth, compassion, and responsiveness to students' needs, is a bedrock presence at Ch.O.I.C.E. His mindful efforts vault our uncertain students to new possibilities of what they can do and trust of others in this world. It's wonderful working with him and seeing how he sets a standard for how to help our students.

Dan is such a pleasure to work with. He truly makes it so easy to go to him for any advice or support that may be needed. He is someone I look up to, and I love having him part of our team. Dan makes work fun, and he also makes school fun for the kiddos. He does such an incredible job, and it truly shows how passionate he is about the work he does.

Dan! You are a constant presence on the floor with so much experience. You are calm and rational with the kids and bring so much humor to the work. You are the go-to guy for literally everything, and I am so grateful to have you as a colleague! 

"Overall, I could not be more proud to nominate Dan Spaulding as a LifeChanger. In fact, I know it to be true. When I run into former students, they often ask how Dan is and if he still works at the Academy.  He is part of so many young people's stories as a mentor and role model who helped them turn their lives around. He truly deserves to be recognized for the job he has done and continues to do," said Cascadden.