LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelly Whitehead was nominated by her colleague, Melody Borger.

"There is not enough time or space to express our gratitude for Kelly Whitehead," explains Borger. "She has been instrumental in advancing the lives of students, the staff, and the district for the past 18 years. She goes beyond her call of duty to make sure the children on her campus are safe and have their needs met."

She loves the children and is eager to help wherever needed. The students will make up any ailment to see Nurse Kelly. She not only attends to their physical ailments, cuts, scrapes, and broken bones, but other health conditions too. She is also an extra ear to listen when the students need another trusted adult to confide in.

Nurse Kelly positively adds to the development of her school's atmosphere by being present. She can heal any ailment with a mint! Nurse Kelly is always in the halls with a smile on her face greeting students and staff. She conducts numerous staff development opportunities each year, including CPR Classes, how to use the defibrillator, EpiPen training, etc. She makes sure the staff and Azle ISD are well trained and ready for any emergency.

Nurse Kelly shows her leadership as the Lead Nurse for the Azle Independent School District. She's also the District Coordinator of the SHAC (School Health Advisory Committee). In this role, Nurse Kelly is responsible for providing advice to the district on coordinated school health programming and its impact on student health and learning. She provides efficient, effective, age-appropriate health education programs, early intervention, and prevention strategies, all in conjunction with local families and community leaders. Nurse Kelly also oversees twelve nurses and supports each principal at all twelve schools in her district. Nurse Kelly is also the COVID-19 Response Team Coordinator. She strategically maneuvered through the uncharted territory for all schools, principals, superintendents, human resources, etc., guiding the district and community to a successful online and, eventually, in-person learning environment for the benefit of all students and staff.

"Kelly Whitehead's employment record is superb and the most professional I have ever seen," said Borger. She has been a traveling nurse in different states and countries. Kelly worked for the Tarrant County Public Health Department, hospitals, and other health-related facilities. Kelly has an outstanding work ethic and a plethora of experience, which made her sought after and gave her lifelong connections to the medical field, with who she could reach out for guidance, information, and assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurse Kelly received her master's degree in Public Health from UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She has a cheerful outlook all the time and is the best role model for the children and staff. She makes her colleagues' jobs easier and shows them how to be compassionate and have attitudes of love and compassion, even when they aren't feeling it. The biggest qualities you could ask for in a School Nurse are compassion, caring, professionalism, and honesty. Nurse Kelly possesses all of these and more. She is committed to creating a nurturing atmosphere wherever she goes. Nurse Kelly is someone who everyone likes and wants to be around. She is funny and tells a good joke or two. She is Canadian and has the best accent of all! 

Nurse Kelly is a rule follower. She holds herself to the highest moral and ethical standards by following the rules and keeping everyone safe. Nurse Kelly does not lie or cheat the system. If you are not doing your job or doing it haphazardly, she will not hesitate to call you out on it and take the appropriate actions.

"Kelly is the best school nurse I have ever worked with," said Borger. "She never has anything bad or negative to say about anyone. Kelly does her job and does not complain. She cares for all of her students and even the staff. Kelly is available for everyone anytime they need her and never complains about it. She is the epitome of what a nurse should strive to be. In fact, the district will replace Nurse Kelly with two nurses because the amount of work and expertise Kelly has is undeniably exceptional. Nurse Kelly deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award 100 times over!"