Elspeth Macdonald was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.
Every day is a challenge for Ms. Macdonald, and every day, she makes an impact on the lives of her students at Nashoba Regional High School. Ms. Macdonald is the social worker responsible for providing practical and emotional support to students with wide-ranging issues. Without Ms. Macdonald and the programs she supports, many of her students would be unable to function within a public school setting. She is also an advisor for Nashoba’s award winning Best Buddies Chapter, and also functions as a counselor with a critical incident team.
If there was such a thing as a typical day for Ms. Macdonald, she might begin her day before the school bell rings, attending a Best Buddies meeting. She would meet with students for counseling sessions, attend a meeting to discuss at-risk students throughout the school, take students for a walk, connect a family with outside assistance, and screen a student for safety. Most of all, Ms. Macdonald smiles and shares her unbounded enthusiasm with everyone around her. She is constantly coming up with activities, giving students the opportunity to discover and acknowledge the best in themselves and one another.
Ms. Macdonald has long been an advisor of the nationally recognized Nashoba Regional High School Chapter of Best Buddies. Best Buddies Nashoba is a volunteer group that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships between students with, and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Nashoba Chapter is extremely active, and Ms. Macdonald spends many unpaid afternoons, evenings and weekends attending the myriad dances, fundraisers, movies and more, that she has helped organize throughout the year.
On occasion, Ms. Macdonald is unexpectedly called away. This is because she is a counselor with a critical incident team, which assists first responders when they have had to deal with traumatic events in the course of their jobs. Sixteen years ago, she spent weeks helping first responders get through the ordeal of searching for survivors at Ground Zero.
"As far as I am concerned, whether in the school setting or out, Elspeth Macdonald is not only a LifeChanger, she is a life-saver; a true hero," the nominator said. "No one could possibly be more deserving of this honor."
Am honored to write a commendation for Elspeth. As a colleague she has guided me through complicated and emotional circumstances where students’ best interests are always at the forefront and as a friend has encouraged me to make changes that improve both my physical and emotional well being. She is a strong role model for adults and students. Love that through everything she makes me laugh!
Elspeth has been my right hand clinically at work for many years. I have trusted her clinical expertise and her commitment to students is second to none. Her listening ear and feedback has been something I rely on. She truly has helped so many people in so many ways.
LifeChanger indeed!
Elspeth's enthusiasm is admirable and her professionalism is greatly appreciated. She is a valuable member of our STAT team. When she speaks, people listen because she consistently has the best interests of students in mind and heart.
Thanks for all you bring to Nashoba.
Elspeth MacDonald and I used to live next to each other. Throughout our friendship, I have seen firsthand what a truly kind, altruistic, selfless and dedicated woman she is. Be it the students in her charge, her friends, or any animal she sets her eyes on, Elspeth wants to make their worlds better, and never cares about self-recognition. She whole-heartedly embodies the spirit of the Best Buddies program she is involved with and vows to never let anyone feel less-than. All are equal in her eyes and Elspeth will try and succeed to change people's lives for the better. I am honored to know her.
Elspeth is not only a great social worker, but a wonderful human being. During the years as a colleague and friend, I have seen her be a calm, compassionate, and humorous presence in the lives of so many people. As a Gay-Straight Alliance advisor, she has helped students feel comfortable in their own skin. As a colleague, she has been supportive through the numerous day-to-day crises of a high school, always making sure that everyone, staff and students alike, were doing okay. I remember once after a particularly harrowing day we were discussing the outcome of a student issue and she looked at me and said, “Are you doing okay? This was hard on you.” Up to that moment I hadn’t thought of myself because we were so focused on the student, but she took the time to see the big picture - that every person is affected by an event. Her compassion that day taught me to also try to look at everyone involved in any situation. She gave me great advice that I still quote to this day: “Everyone is on their own journey and you have to respect their place on that journey. They may not be where you are and that is okay.” Very compassionate and wise words from a very compassionate and wise woman.
Ms.mcdonald is a wonderful woman. She works hard at her job. My daughter Monique cormier who graduated thanks to ms. Mcdonald. She pushed monique to take the right path in life. I thought Monique would not be able to go out and make it on her own. Well she moved out a year ago and she had a good job at staples that she loves and it is all because of ms. Mcdonald being there for Monique an I when ever we needed her. She still sometimes talks to Monique even knowing she is not in school any more. She also brought Monique all the way to worcester to see me when I was in the hospital after having a minor heart attack. Everyone loves Ms. Mcdonald. Please nominate her she deserves it. Thank you! Deborah rolfe.
Congratulations Mis Macdondald,
Ms.Macdonald is 1000% a life changer. She isn't just a councilor I had, she is by far the most amazing woman i have and will ever meet. When I started highschool I was in a horrible place, i didn't want to talk to anyone and was always by myself. A friend of mine had me meet her and since than she wasn't just a councilor at school, she became my bestfriend, the only person I wanted to talk to. She just connects with you and makes you feel alive, like a person. My sophmore year my house caught on fire, she was immediately their to help us. Made sure we had the things we needed and more.
My junior or senior year my mother had a heart attack and in the middle of the school day, she immediately stopped everything and brought me up to UMASS in worcester and stayed for hours until she knew both my mom and I were okay. Talked to my mom like a friend to help her stay calm.
I almost couldn't graduate, I failed the MCAS by 2 points, I almost quit completely and gave up. Ms.Macdonald and my principle found a way to let me walk with my class across the stage to get my certificate of attendance, which later became my diploma with an extra 2 points.
Ms.macdonald will forever be the best person I have ever met, she has helped me without even hesitating. She deserves this award, she helps and supports so many people with nothing but a smile on her face.
"Be safe, Be careful, and Go slow" She said that to me my freshman year and it still sticks in my head. She makes people lives more positive and better, even if you're a stranger. I will forever be greatful to have had the chance to get to know her. Thank you :)
I am not only a colleague of Elspeth's, but a 'customer' as well as my oldest child was enrolled in her program at the high school. That program, and Elspeth in particular, were instrumental in helping my son get through high school. She was able to see the challenges he had on a daily basis and supported him through his four years at Nashoba. She was there as a support for my entire family as she listened, shared, advised and cared for all parties. Her insight, concern, professionalism, calm and informed approach was invaluable.
As a co-worker, she is funny, happy, positive, informed, calm and real. She never takes herself too seriously and is a great role model for those around her. She cares intensely for the students and faculty alike and is always a calm and comforting presence.
I would also share with you the difference she has made in my life personally. Over the past year and a half my life went into a bit of a tail spin as my marriage fell apart. She was such a fantastic support to me, however her ability to see things from an objective vantage point, making sure that she kept all parties best interests in mind, she helped me navigate the most challenging circumstances I have ever been through. I will always be grateful for the support, kindness, love and professionalism she showed me.
Does she deserve this award? I am unsure as I have no idea what kind of competition is out there for such a prestigious award, however I do know the difference she has made in not only my life, but also my family's life and the lives of so many of our students and it's neat to at least have this opportunity to share with you the difference she makes in our community every week.
Thanks!
I have had the privilege of working with Elspeth for the past fifteen years. Elspeth is a warm and compassionate person who truly cares about each and every student that she has contact with every single day. I have been thoroughly impressed by how much time and energy Elspeth is able to give to these children. She works so hard to learn a deep understanding of the issues that these students struggle with and she works with each and everyone of them tirelessly to help them to learn how to cope and deal with these issues in a productive manner.
I have tremendous respect for Elspeth because I have seen the difference she has made in so many of these students lives. I have seen her literally save lives many times. When Elspeth truly shines is when a crises emerges. Regardless of what she is doing at the time, how she is feeling herself; Elspeth always arises to face the crises with that student. Regardless of how difficult or volatile these situations might be, Elspeth is always there for these students and she will stay with them until she knows they are safe.
The true sign of a life changer is that these students all build a trust in Elspeth that runs deep. When they are struggling they seek her out knowing that she truly cares for them and will help them to work through their issues.Every year Elspeth's work changes lives for the better. She gives so much to others and is always there for those around her each day. Our society places our media stars on pedestals, honoring actors, musicians and sports stars as heroes far too often. It is people like Elspeth who are the true heroes. Elspeth does her work not for money or prestige. She does it to change lives and help people have the chance to live a better life! Elspeth truly is a life changer and deserves this recognition!
Elspeth is truly a life changer. Whether assisting a student or co-worker, friend or stranger, she gives 100%. Her insight and compassion are just two of the qualities that I admire. Elspeth is dedicated to her students during the school day and beyond. Her commitment to Best Buddies and the Gay Straight Alliance extend to nights and weekends. She is fully committed to the staff and students involved in these clubs and organizations.
I know that she has changed and saved many lives. I cannot think of person more deserving of this award.
During the more than thirteen years I have worked with Elspeth Macdonald in the therapeutic learning center I have watched her encourage students and help them grow as they move through their high school years. I know that she has literally saved lives. She has also been a great source of support for the students' families and staff who work with these students at the high school. She is a positive role model – daily. At district request, she has conducted workshops to help other Nashoba staff learn to more effectively work with students who are struggling emotionally and behaviorally. Workshop participants appreciate her engaging presentation, as well as the real-world skills she teaches. Her upbeat and often humorous approach to challenges is a source of motivation for students and staff alike. On a more personal note, she has helped me be a better educator, and a more thoughtful, compassionate person. Elspeth is dedicated to helping students be successful in their education and also in their lives. She has many great ideas but makes suggestions only after listening carefully to whoever is speaking. She has an intuitive gift of seeing right to the core of a problem and then coming up with creative, beneficial ideas for solutions.
Many people don't know that Elspeth Macdonald is always one of the first called when Nashoba High School has experienced tragic situations involving students. As a highly trained crisis counselor, she has been extraordinarily generous with her time and energy during these difficult times. In this role, Ms. Macdonald has been an important source of support for students, staff and families when help was needed most. It is typical of her to unselfishly put others and their needs first.
This nomination is perfect. Elspeth is always helping others - in so many ways. I am lucky to be her colleague and to call her a friend!
Elspeth is an incredibly inspiring individuals, who not only reaches her students, but her friends and colleagues. I am proud to say that I consider Elspeth one of my dearest friends. She is selfless, driven, compassionate, and kind. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
Yes! Elspeth is undoubtably a life-changer! She has helped so many students with wide ranging support needs navigate through the sometimes difficult high school years. She has also taught me many things, and has made me a better special educator and even a better parent. And also a big echo to Lauren's comment, she is s lot of fun too! Keep it up Elspeth, you are the best and you are appreciated!
Elspeth is an inspirational colleague! She has tremendous insight and compassion. Plus, she’s fun! She’s a gift to our school community.
I had the privilege of working with Elspeth at Nashoba. She was very supportive of our special needs students and staff as well!
Ms. McDonald is a phenomenal human being and a wonderful colleague. She has a significant positive impact on the lives of so many people in our building - students and staff members! Love her!! She IS a life changer.
Wow! I don’t even know where to start. She is an amazing individual who is selfless, compassionate, and so dedicated to helping others. I feel so blessed and honored to know such an incredibly hardworking and life changer
like Elspeth MacDonald.
I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Elspeth Mcdonald for the past year. As a Chapter Advisor for her school's Best Buddies Chapter Elspeth works tirelessly with her Co Advisor and student leaders to plan and implement a wide variety of events that help support and spread the Best Buddies Mission. Elspeth goes above and beyond without ever looking for any type of recognition. She is such an amazing and incredibly giving individual and is so very deserving of this nomination. Congratulations!
I've been lucky enough to meet Elspeth through her support of Best Buddies, an organization that provides opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As mentioned in her profile, she is the faculty advisor of her school's chapter, and has been so for 10 years. She also takes part in our annual bike ride, and in doing so, fundraises thousands of dollars each year she does it; she has been doing this for more than 5 years as well. She is an absolutely wonderful woman and I've only personally seen the tip of the iceberg. Even so, I absolutely believe that she is deserving of this award, and I thank you for your consideration!
I have never been happier to support a nomination for such recognition. I have had the pleasure of calling Elspeth a co-worker but most importantly a friend for over ten years. Elspeth tirelessly supports students, staff, family, emergency personnel and friends without hesitation, often during the most sensitive of times. She is incredibly deserving of this nomination; selection as a LifeChanger of the Year will reinforce the vast impact she has had on the lives of those around her. Congratulations Elspeth!
Elspeth is a life changer! She guided me through some of the toughest years of life with wisdom and compassion. I owe so much of my success to her, her team, and the wonderful teachers at Nashoba a few years ago.
