LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Regina Kimbrough was nominated by Aaron Graham, her son.

"My mother is a LifeChanger in my eyes, not only because she is my mother, but because I've seen her in action with the students, staff, parents, and community partners," said Graham. "No matter what day or time you go into J. L. Lomax, you will see her with a smile on her face and working with someone. She wears many hats and still manages to work with students individually, in small groups, and do classroom lessons. Some may consider that as a part of being the counselor, but this is where I know that she is a LifeChanger. She ensures that all students feel safe, and the way they light up when they see her lets you know that they love her and feel safe. I've seen children leave their parents in the store to run and hug her and say hello. Many of her former students remain in contact with her. They invite her to their graduations, birthday parties, and life events. That, in my opinion, shows that she has touched their lives in a positive manner."

Ms. Kimbrough is not only the counselor, but she also serves as the Parent Engagement Coordinator, Community Partner in Education Coordinator, PBIS Coach, one of the PR Coordinators, and a Leadership Team member. She is also the Hungry at Home Coordinator. For some, this would be overwhelming, and something would go lacking, but in each of these roles, Ms. Kimbrough works with everyone to ensure that the parents, scholars, and staff have what they need to be successful throughout each and every day. Parents are always engaged when they come to activities that the school is hosting. Ms. Kimbrough ensures that parents can access community services and resources when needed. Community partners even reach out to her when they want to assist families during the back-to-school and holiday seasons. One particular family in need felt so grateful for the Christmas assistance she got for them that they sent her a gift with a note of appreciation.

"That's how I know she's a LifeChanger," said Graham. "I could go on and on because she makes a difference in the lives of the people at school. She also works tirelessly in the community through the organizations that she's affiliated with. There's always a community service project that she's actively engaged in. Ms. Kimbrough is a servant at heart and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that everyone has exactly what they need."

"If I could put a label on all that she does in a day, it would be 'life-changing,'" said Graham. "You can't serve in all of those roles and not change someone's life. There's always a student whose behavior changes after talking with her, or a staff member who smiles after reading her positive emails. There's always a parent drying up their tears because they've been connected with a resource after talking to her, or a community partner who has a mentee after talking to her. Her work has a lifelong effect and makes a positive difference in peoples' lives."