LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Bailow was nominated by her spouse, Jason Bailow.

Mrs. Bailow has over 25 years of experience in human services and education. She has worked in various environments providing support and advocacy for youth experiencing abuse, drug/alcohol addiction, and behavioral/emotional issues.

Mrs. Bailow has been working at the San Diego County Office of Education, Foster Youth Services Coordinating program since 2006. In her current role, she is the Program Manager overseeing Tutor Connection. Tutor Connection is a collaborative program that provides one-on-one in-home, free tutoring services to students in foster care between the ages of 5 and 18. The program is a joint effort between the San Diego County Office of Education, Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (SDCOE, FYSCP), California State University, San Marcos, College of Education and Office of Community Service Learning, San Diego State University, San Diego County, Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Services (HHSA, CWS). In this role, Mrs. Bailow provides education to future teachers on the needs of youth that have or are experiencing trauma and best practices in providing academic, social, and emotional support. She supervises all their efforts when tutoring foster youth throughout the semester. To date, countless future teachers have received the Tutor Connection curriculum, and even more foster youth have received one-on-one academic support. 

"Michelle is always available for her students, providing guidance and support when dealing with sensitive issues," explains Mr. Bailow. "She ensures her students are equipped with the best academic and emotional resources to handle difficult situations that arise. She often takes calls after work hours and on weekends. This program would not be where it is today without the dedication and passion Michelle has put in the last 16 years."