LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sandra Cantwell

Position: Retiring Executive Director of Student Services
School: Joplin Schools
School District: Joplin Schools
City, State: Joplin, MO

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Music that Describes Sandra

Sandra Cantwell was nominated by her colleague, Darla Hightower.

A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in students' lives

One of Dr. Cantwell's achievements for the 2021-2022 school year was initiating and getting the ball rolling for the placement of Telemedicine in each of her district's schools. Telemedicine is beneficial to students and staff alike, as well as to the district. Telemedicine visits are now available in 13 of the district's schools, with the placement of Telemedicine carts in the remaining schools planned before August 2022. Students and staff can have a Telemedicine visit with a healthcare provider without ever having to leave school! Once the visit is completed, students and staff can return to class unless they're contagious. Prescriptions are sent to local pharmacies, and they can either be picked up or delivered to the student's homes after they're filled—the same works for staff members. Telemedicine is a huge benefit for students and staff members; it reduces absences for students and staff, as well as the utilization of substitute teachers.

This work started with a conversation including Dr. Cantwell during a Community Health and Wellness Advisory Board Committee Meeting in April 2021. That discussion has become a reality in Joplin Schools just one year later! Dr. Cantwell has a gift for making meaningful connections with people. These connections have led to countless positive outcomes in the lives of many students throughout her career.

Dr. Cantwell began her career as a paraprofessional working in early childhood from 1992 to 1994. Dr. Cantwell worked as a special education teacher from 1994 to 2000. From 2000 to 2005, Dr. Cantwell was a communication arts and reading teacher for students in grades 7-9 who were "at risk" of dropping out of high school. Dr. Cantwell was also an adjunct teacher with Crowder College for two years. Next, Dr. Cantwell was employed as Special Education Process Coordinator from 2006 to 2010, when she was solicited to apply for a position as Assistant Principal for Joplin High School. Dr. Cantwell was hired in 2010 as Assistant Principal at Joplin High School and worked in that position for five years before she accepted the position of Assistant Director of Student Services in 2015. Dr. Cantwell filled the Assistant Director of Student Services position for fifteen months before Dr. Cantwell was promoted to Executive Director of Student Services in 2017. She has served in this position for five and a half years. Dr. Cantwell is very proud of having completed her doctoral degree in July 2021, and her colleagues are very proud of her, as well!

The ability to create a positive school atmosphere

In Dr. Cantwell's many roles in secondary education over the past 30 years, she has had numerous opportunities to make positive differences in the lives of the students served by both the Neosho and Joplin school districts, and she has done just that. Dr. Cantwell's smile and positive attitude permeate the atmosphere of Joplin Schools.

"I started my position with Joplin Schools in August 2021. I have found thank-you cards, notes, and gift cards on my desk from Dr. Cantwell weekly for the first several weeks and intermittently after that. Almost every time I meet with Dr. Cantwell, she tells me how much she appreciates me and what a blessing it is to have me here. However, Dr. Cantwell is one of the reasons I feel so blessed to be at Joplin Schools! She takes every opportunity to build me up in the presence of others during group meetings, as well. I do not believe that I am the only person Dr. Cantwell does this with, as I was sharing this with the school social worker, Leslie Webster, who tells me that Dr. Cantwell does the same to her," said Hightower.

In addition, Dr. Cantwell often starts a district-wide e-mail by giving a "shout out" to someone with praises for something they've done. Other times, she'll let everyone know that it is National Administrative Assistant Day, encouraging people to give thanks to one another. She is always the first to let others know about someone in the building who has a birthday, and she frequently organizes birthday celebrations in honor of that person, which makes them feel special. It will be interesting to see who will take over these tasks when Dr. Cantwell retires! Things such as these go a long way to help build the morale of staff members and create a positive school atmosphere. These things seem to come naturally to Dr. Cantwell.

Leadership within their school and/or district

Dr. Cantwell is very active on the leadership team with Joplin Schools, which comprises 19 schools and serves 7,738 students, so this is a big job! In her current position, Dr. Cantwell provides leadership and oversight of the following: Director of Special Education, which also encompasses the Special Education Coordinators, Psychologists, Individualized Education Program, Teacher for the Visually Impaired, Teacher for the Deaf, School Social Worker, Nurse Coordinator, which encompasses the nursing department, Bright Futures, Parents as Teachers, Records, Copy Center/Records, Gifted Teachers, and Mail Room. As you can see, this list speaks for itself about her competency in her leadership role relating to the long list of departments for which she is responsible.

"I can say that everybody loves her and highly respects her! In my 30-plus-year career, I can honestly say that Dr. Cantwell has been the best supervisor I have ever worked under. She is a true blessing," said Hightower.

A record of excellent performance at the professional level

Dr. Cantwell has earned several awards throughout her career, which include the following:

Gold Star Award
Teacher of the Year 2000 - The inscription on the plaque reads, "In recognition of your unselfish service to the students of the Neosho R-5 School District".
State Assistant Principal of the Year Award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals
Assistant Principal of the Year Award from the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals

Commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere

Dr. Cantwell enjoys making connections with people and takes special effort to draw those less sociable out of their shells. She treats all people as if they are special because, to her, everyone is special. She takes every opportunity to express her gratitude for others daily.

"Personally, I was terrified when I first started this year. Coming from Pre-K to high school is a huge jump, and going from 100 students to 2500 is an even bigger jump. Doing it alone for a couple of months was even more frightening," said Cassandra Mueller, Joplin High School's nurse. "However, at the beginning of the year, before the students came to the school, Sandra made a point to have lunch in the office here and said she just wanted to get to know me. We chatted about her family and how God makes things work out like they are supposed to. I will never forget that day. From that moment on, I have felt like I am where I am supposed to be. She made me feel comfortable and confident that I could do the job. I love making true connections with people, and she made a point to do just that. She was always so welcoming and open to me. At the beginning of the year, some issues were going on at home. I asked her for prayer, and she wrote the most heartfelt prayer I've ever had prayed over/and with me. Sandra is the best boss I have ever had the privilege to work under. Bosses like her make you desire to be a better employee and person overall. Those people are the best blessings ever!"

Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

Dr. Cantwell holds herself to high moral and ethical standards. In addition, she has strong faith and is active in her church. She has been known to pray with co-workers struggling with real-life issues as needs arise. A co-worker from Ukraine, Olena Yakovyshena, shared recently that Dr. Cantwell has prayed with her as she was concerned about her family members who remain in Ukraine because of the war there. Dr. Cantwell's outreach is only one example of her outstanding compassion for others.

"Whether she is selected as the recipient of this award or not, she is, and will always be, well-respected, honored, and loved in our hearts and minds at Joplin Schools," said Hightower.

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Comments (30)

Kimberly Lankford Posted over a year ago

Dr. Sandra Cantwell has been a huge support and advocate for the juvenile center. She truly is the greatest! I have really appreciated and enjoyed her impromtu visits to the alternative classroom. She brings energy and light to every single room she enters. Her smile is contagious, and there is a wonderful peace and joy that surrounds her and overflows to everyone she comes in contact with. I was beyond blessed to have Sandra as my supervisor these past several years. She has made a tremendous impact on my life and career. Thank you, Sandra, for having the biggest heart and inspiring others to grow and reach their full potential. It is an honor to call you friend.

Jeff Cantwell Posted over a year ago

Mother Teresa, Pollyanna, Cinderella. What do these three have in common? Well, to start with they each were super bright, super nice, always looked on the bright side of things, believed the best of everyone and always put others before themselves. And All three of these ladies were reincarnated into one person: Dr. Sandra Cantwell. I’ve been married to Sandra for nearly 38 years, and I can say without a doubt that she has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever heard known or heard of. She loves people, believes in the best of everyone, and perpetually puts others needs before her own. If the world had just a few more people like Dr. Cantwell we would all be much, much better off.

Meghan Klosterman Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell has had a profound impact on my professional life. She has served as a constant example of compassionate leadership in education and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have learned from her as I began my leadership journey. With Dr. Cantwell, the value and potential within every child is highlighted and the adults supporting that child are encouraged to grow as professionals. She calls each person to be the best he or she can be and she has a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate both students and adults. I am so fortunate to have been a colleague of Dr. Cantwell's and I cherish the fact that I can also call her 'friend'.

Meghan Klosterman Posted over a year ago

Shelly Toft Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell is an amazing person who always put others first. She loves the students and her heart is always with the students. I have worked with her the past four years and we were both new to our roles, so we learned our areas together and with each other's help. She always looks for the joy and encourages others all the time. I wouldn't be where I am today without her encouragement and support. She is a bright shining light for the district and has worked many hours to make sure her students and co-workers succeed. We will all miss her here at Joplin Schools, but wish her well in her new role as she continues to touch the lives of educators throughout our area.

Justin Thomas Posted over a year ago

I don’t even know where to begin! Mrs. Cantwell deserves this award/nomination more than anyone I know. She helped me power through 4 years of high school, as she did with so many other students. Her morales, class, approachability, and determination set a precedent for all faculty and staff. I, along with so many others, will be forever grateful for Sandra in ways we cannot even begin to explain. Thank you, Mrs. Cantwell. You really can do it all.

Connie Cook Posted over a year ago

I worked for several years with Sandra in Neosho School District and loved working with her. When Sandra went to work for Joplin we always said we wanted to work together again. I got that opportunity when there was an opening in her department. I’ve worked as Sandra’s Administrative Assistant for the past two years and have been so glad to have the opportunity to be here working with her. Sandra has passion in everything she does, but I’ve always seen it most when she speaks with high school students about their futures. She is genuinely interested in their futures and it is very heartwarming. Even the parents of the students thank Dr. Cantwell when they leave her office and tell her that they wish they had someone to encourage them when they were in school. Students with struggling grades and attendance rise up to meet their goals AND want Dr. Cantwell know they have. I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award than Dr. Sandra Cantwell.

Shelly Tarter Posted over a year ago

Sandra, I cannot begin to tell you how much you have meant to me. Not only are you a great mentor, but a wonderful friend as well. You have helped me be my best self and taught me so much. Please don't be a stranger and come back to visit the alternative school. We love you!

Alyce Brown Posted over a year ago

Oh momma Cantwell. I went from being one of our eaglees to a colleague. You are easily one of the greatest women in education I have had the pleasure to meet. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Shiree Dodson Posted over a year ago

I met Sandra Cantwell when she interviewed me for the receptionist position at Joplin High School. I have always felt so comfortable around her. She just puts everyone at ease. There is a light that surrounds her that people are naturally drawn to. Her instinct is to help people and genuinely care about people. She deserves all of the awards and plaques that has been given to her. She has earned it all. I don't think that she has met a stranger, so yes, in my opinion she is a life changer and deserves that award. She has changed my life by fighting for me and giving me a chance and I know that she has influenced other's lives as well.

Heather Surbrugg Posted over a year ago

Sandra is a very caring individual who works very hard to ensure that our students have the best. She takes her job very seriously and is diligent about positively changing the lives of our students. She is very worthy of this great honor!

Jordan Dickey Posted over a year ago

Sandra is a great friend and a wonderful mentor! She is so kind and has been and will continue to be instrumental as I transition roles. She shows profound wisdom and I have learned so much from watching her interactions with her colleagues. She puts students first and I can already see the impact she has had on her district!

Annie Stover Posted over a year ago

Sandra Cantwell is an amazing person to be around and to learn from. When I worked with her she always gave me the best advice and made me feel appreciated. Since then, she has continued to be a huge support to me. She is so loving and cares about all of the students and staff.

Brenda Cummings Posted over a year ago

Sandra Cantwell is not only a wonderful friend, but a caring, kind and compassionate administrator. I have had the privilege of working alongside Sandra in Core Data for several years and she has always been a joy to work with. Her attention to detail and excellence in her job performance are just a couple of her wonderful attributes. She truly cares for her co-workers and brings a smile to me each time we meet. She will be greatly missed at Joplin Schools, but I wish her nothing but the very best in her future.

SARAH ANN WHITTEN Posted over a year ago

Sandra is just one of those people that makes a difference no matter where she goes. She is always willing to take on extra tasks to help out a fellow co-worker or a student. Every time I have had the privilege of working along side her I have always been encouraged by her tenancy, her humility, and her strong working ethics. One occasion of many that sticks out in my mind is when we were interviewing candidates for the nursing coordinator position. I had a middle school foster child who was going through some hard times. He had to be with an adult at all times. She was so kind and compassionate towards him. She sat down and visited with him in her office. She gave him a snack and took genuine interest in his drawings. He later asked about her. I know in that small moment of time that she made him feel important. Sandra does this on a daily basis.

Amanda Marney Posted over a year ago

I met Dr. Cantwell during my first month of employment with Joplin Schools. I had just started as one of the school nurses at the high school and was feeling overwhelmed and scared. Dr. Cantwell made it a point to come over and talk to me, get to know me and helped me overcome the issue I was having at the time. She even gave me her personal cell phone number in case I ever needed to contact her. I have spoken with her many times since then and she has always been friendly, understanding and helpful. It was bittersweet to hear the news of her retirement, sad to hear that she is leaving as she is a valuable member of Joplin Schools but happy for her as I know she will go on to do great things and enjoy her retirement. This is now my 4th year at Joplin Schools and I can not think of anyone more deserving of this award than Dr. Cantwell.

Krissy Gray Posted over a year ago

Before I was employed with Joplin schools, I met Sandra Cantwell as a parent. My son has Autism, and I was a nervous wreck dropping him off for Freshman kick off event. Going from North to the high school was a huge transition for him, not to mention my dad was diagnosed with cancer causing Luke even more anxiety. Dr. Cantwell was a principal at the time. She gave me her personal cell phone number and was a huge assurance as I pulled away. I can say as a parent of a special needs kiddo that meant the world to me.

Morgan Barnes Posted over a year ago

Sandra Cantwell has such a unique ability to make everyone she comes into contact with feel important and valued. She greets everyone with a smile and kind words. I’ve gotten to see her diffuse tough situations with grace, while maintaining her positive and uplifting spirit. She’s truly a leader and someone who I am proud to know and to work with!

Heidi Hodges Posted over a year ago

Sandra Cantwell is simply the best. She taught me a lesson that I have used to this day with my students. She brought out a tape measured and measured out to 88 inches across the table. Then she had me place a pen next to the number that represented my age. She told me to look at the space between 0 to my age and then look at the space after my age up to 88. She told me that the choices that I have made and the ones that I am making now will predict the outcome of the life I choose to live in the future. That hit me in a powerful way. My students love that lesson and it leads to some great discussions in my classroom. Sandra is driven to help others find the light within them. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with her. She will be missed by many. Thank you Sandra for teaching me some of the best lessons in life and for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. You raised me up and I am truly thankful to you.

Morgan Ramsey Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell has always supported our department, advocated for our needs and offered a listening ear when needed. She has poured her heart into this district and I will always be grateful for her passion and dedication. She is a true gem and will be missed in the Joplin School District.

vivian hays Posted over a year ago

Sandra has always been willing to help me with any questions or concerns I had about my class. She was the first person who gave me a chance to prove that I could be a good teacher. She will be missed by everyone. I have been very glad to have had her support and the opportunity to get to know her along with her support.

Lacey Santillan Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell was my first principal to work with at the 9-10 Campus right after the storm. During that time we had a ton of adversity facing us as a district: rebuilding schools, discipline issues, switching to 1:1 with computers and recovering as a community. She was a great support to all our teachers and always made it a point to make you feel cared about and thanked. She is amazing!!!

Jason Cravens Posted over a year ago

Sandra Cantwell is a caring, amazing person. When she was the freshman class principal, she made it a point to learn about all her students, especially those who struggled most. She would use what she learned to support them in succeeding both in school and in life. She also was a great role model to the teachers and staff that she lead. As she continued to rise in leadership, Sandra took the same caring attitude to the next level. She continued to support students and adults in her new role. Sandra spent countless hours toiling to make the lives of adults and students at Joplin Schools better. She is loved and will be missed by all of us who have had the honor of working alongside her.

Melinda Moss Posted over a year ago

Some educators are teachers of content and some are teachers of students. As her school superintendent and one that is in contact with Dr. Cantwell daily, I can without reserve attest that Sandra puts the wellness of the "whole child" first and foremost in everything she thinks, says and does on behalf of Joplin Schools. Working tirelessly for the academic, physical and emotional well-being of all students has been at the heart of every endeavor. She collaborates well within the district as well as our community to maximize resources for our most vulnerable students and never ceases to look for ways to continuously improve. Even in retirement, she is reaching out to continue her school improvement efforts by already taking a position with our regional educational support center to train area educators in effective literacy instruction. Her light continues to shine brightly to change lives for the better.

Sarah Coyne Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell has had a long and varied career in public education, but one thing that has remained stable and solid throughout is that she has never, ever stopped striving to help others. She speaks to students, staff, parents, and board members in the same manner, and that is with utmost care and respect for their worthiness. She has invested support for her co-workers and subordinates in ways that always make us feel valued and capable of reaching our highest potential. When I think of Dr. Cantwell, I think of Maya Angelou's quote: "At the end of the day, people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." She makes all of us feel seen, appreciated, understood and valued. I can't think of a better way to change lives, than to impact people on this intimate scale, and Dr. Cantwell's career has been built on just such a bedrock. We will miss her, but are honored to have had her guidance!

Kerry Sachetta Posted over a year ago

Dr. Cantwell is a passionate educator champion for all students! And for most of her career she worked with students on a daily basis who have faced significant challenges in their personal lives that has had an impact on their education. It is in these circumstances that Dr. Cantwell is at her best. She connects with students, is able to diagnose their educational and personal challenges and connect them with the appropriate programs and services to ensure their success. Dr.Cantwell possess excellent organizational skills, a tireless work ethic, and empathy for her students (and co-workers). In addition, she is an outstanding teammate. She works very effectively with her peers to help plan, implement and monitor programs and services. Dr. Cantwell has touched many lives in her three decade career in education. She has been "a difference maker" and her work is very much appreciated.

Brenda Durbin Posted over a year ago

One of the many roles that Dr. Cantwell fills is the overseeing of the District Librarians. She has always been a strong supporter of all of us. Any time we have a concern or question she is quick to respond. Dr. Cantwell advocates for us with the Administration and School Board, and I have appreciated all that she has done for us in the past few years. I am sorry to see her leave the Joplin Schools District, but I am happy for her.

MICHELE BECKHAM Posted over a year ago

This is only my 3rd year as a nurse at Joplin Schools and due to our different work locations, we have not had a lot of personal contact. However, the contact that I have had with her has been great. She is always kind, professional, smiling, and gets any questions answered that I have. I was sad to hear that she is leaving Joplin Schools!

MICHELE BECKHAM Posted over a year ago

April Chew Posted over a year ago

Dr. Sandra Cantwell, Has always been such a wonderful inspiration to me since, I joined Joplin schools. I started in special education services where I was fortunate enough to meet Sandra. I learned her career path thus far, which was inspiring to say the least. Sandra, you are truly an amazing teacher and motivator. Thank you for all you have done for all of us, for never giving up on us! As you paved and showed us the way to the top, you have created and inspired me and many others. Enjoy your retirement, and be blessed. April Chew Sped Para