LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Haley Colwell was nominated by her superintendent, Jennie Berkley.

Ms. Colwell began her career as a mental health therapist and decided that becoming a teacher would allow her to have a more significant impact on the many children she would serve. Little did she know how true that would be.

"Lucky for us, we landed Haley in her first year as she transitioned to an educator. Her classroom was not a typical one," said Berkley. "The district had committed to embarking on a school-based day treatment classroom (grades 3-8) where Haley would teach in partnership with a mental health therapist. This classroom would allow our students with severe emotional disabilities and challenges to return to their home district and receive more opportunities. With minimal direction and a blank slate, she created a masterpiece and ensured us that this was both powerful and the right decision."

The treatment classroom was a success because of Ms. Colwell's thoughtful trial and error, continued communication, and, most notably, her love, passion, and commitment to finding what every student needed and how staff could understand their roles within this room. All hands were on deck, and all mindsets were determined. Students were equipped for physical and emotional safety and found value in their learning and interests. The building where Ms. Colwell taught embraced her, her work, and the students she served. Her classroom created hope for students who struggle and have daily hurdles outside the norm. Her expectations and resilience to find success and systems never wavered.

"After just three short years in this role with continued improvements and adjustments, we tasked Haley with leaving the treatment classroom to move into a leadership role as a Teacher on Assignment," said Berkley. "In this role, she would help establish the sister classroom where students in grades 9-12 could be served with similar daily routines and practices. Soon, we saw FLIGHT take flight and change the lives of students and staff again."

Additionally, Ms. Colwell became a behavioral consultant throughout the district. She noted this as a privilege to continue learning and growing herself as she was able to help create chances for students and provide encouragement to staff. Her execution, follow-up, and continued reflection allow her peers and students to find trust, protection, and confidence in their work and outcomes. Students feel valued and find purpose in school. In short - she makes people believe.

Her impact continues to expand. Last January, the district had yet another opportunity for its mental health outreach and created a Group-Centered Therapy Classroom where students whose needs exceeded their weekly visits could be seen daily. Again, Ms. Colwell took the reigns with the foundational concepts and turned this idea/brainstorm into another fully implemented and valuable resource for students and staff. Her attention to detail and processes benefit all. Her work never ends, similar to the ever-changing needs of students.

This school year, Ms. Colwell took full ownership of the idea of Reset Rooms in every elementary and junior high building after being given a short sketch and outline of what the district would like to see developed. After comprehensive research, a powerful Powerpoint, and requests for staff training and materials, Milford students and staff have enormously profited from her guidance and leadership. Everything she touches turns to gold.

"On behalf of the entire district, it is an honor to nominate Haley Colwell for the LifeChanger of the Year award. She sees every day as a possibility to celebrate small wins to make life better for others," said Berkley. "Her heart is full for and from this work. She truly is a LifeChanger and change maker; for that, we are all better."