Winsome Kitson was nominated anonymously.
Mrs. Kitson is a remarkable advocate and leader at Oak Hill School, whose dedication to students and families exemplifies the essence of a LifeChanger. Mrs. Kitson goes above and beyond to ensure families have access to necessary services, often assisting them with navigating complex systems and resources. Her commitment extends beyond the school walls, as she frequently conducts home visits to provide personalized support, building trust and strong relationships with parents and students alike. Her unwavering dedication to the well-being of every family has left an indelible impact on the Oak Hill community. As a trusted figure among students and staff, she is often the "go-to" person when someone is facing a challenging time. Her genuine empathy and ability to provide meaningful support have made her an indispensable resource for those in need.
Mrs. Kitson's connections to the school community are rooted in her ability to listen, understand, and respond thoughtfully. Whether offering guidance to a student struggling with emotional regulation or being a calming presence for a colleague, she fosters a sense of safety and belonging for everyone around her. Her presence and work at the school has been transformative. She has been instrumental in promoting the ARC model, ensuring that trauma-informed practices are at the forefront of Oak Hill's approach to education and support. Additionally, she is leading the development of an 'Affinity Space' at the school—a dedicated area providing a vital hub of support and resources for students and families. This initiative reflects her forward-thinking vision and commitment to addressing the holistic needs of the community. Mrs. Kitson's dedication to fostering resilience, connection, and growth makes her an exceptional LifeChanger whose impact will be felt for years.
Winsome has a natural ability to build rapport with vulnerable youth and their families, while partnering with them to identify goals and solutions. Her extensive experience in various settings has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals and communities. Throughout her career, she has developed an exceptional aptitude of engendering trust and creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients/students. Her empathetic nature, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity, has enabled her to effectively address the unique needs and circumstances of each individual she serves. I have been consistently impressed by her compassion, dedication, and commitment to improving the wellbeing of her students and their families.
One of Winsome’s greatest strengths lie in her ability to assess complex situations, analyze information, and formulate practical solutions. Her creativity and resourcefulness have been instrumental in devising innovative approaches to empower students and facilitate positive change in their lives. Her commitment to advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations is evident in her tireless efforts to address systemic issues and promote positive change within the community. An exceptional and exemplary LifeChanger, Winsome excels at navigating complex social support systems to connect her clients with benefits, services, and community resources they need but may lack awareness of or feel intimidated accessing on their own. I endorse Winsome as LifeChanger of the year as her warm and compassionate nature continues to create an environment where clients feel safe to share their challenges and work towards positive change.
Some people live and breathe in a spirit of love, leadership, contribution and joy. It is such a key part of their essence that it precedes them. Winsome Kitson is one of those people and I believe it is what makes her the exemplary LifeChanger she is.
While it is her professional and personal work, it is not just a job she performs, it is who she is and what she embodies. It is intrinsic to her to make lives, families, organizations safer, more connected, more capable, effective, supportive, protective and resilient. It is how she chooses to move through life for herself, her students, her colleagues, her family, her friends, her professional and personal communities.
Winsome Kitson is LifeChanger of the Year because her leadership and initiative empowers and supports students, families, colleagues and communities to become LifeChangers and life savers for themselves and others. She is due this recognition many times over and will be an excellent steward in maximizing the impact of its accompanying resources for her school's students and therefore their families and communities.
Winsome is a Pillar of Oak Hill School. Her laughter,her strength and unwavering support to all she come in contact with. She has an undeniable presence spirit that lifts everyone around her, and a heart that always give more then is ever asked for in return.
Winsome is an absolutely amazing advocate for the students and families she works with. It is so evident that she truly loves the work she does and it brings her joy.
She has a calming presence and approaches challenges with grace and understanding for all.
She will always step in to help someone in need, whether at school or on her day off. Listening, reassuring , supporting even for those she may have just met.
She’s a light to many and is so very deserving of this award.
Winsome is a phenomenal leader who provides a safe space for staff and students alike with her calming demeanor, active listening, and problem-solving mindset. She makes everyone she encounters feel important by truly checking in and facilitating opportunities to debrief after a challenging situation. Winsome is inclusive, supportive, dedicated, and consistent in every environment. I am so grateful to be a part of her community and can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Winsome is an inspiration to work with. She goes above and beyond for both the students and their families at Oak Hill. I have personally seen her find the resources and supports to help a family move into a home when she found out they were living in their car.
Winsome’s experience, understanding, and willingness to push our students to be their best is what truly changes the lives of these children. I personally have learned so much from Winsome. I have learned how to support, challenge, and provide and fun and safe environment for the wide variety of students we work with. Winsome goes beyond the title of clinician. She is one of the pillars of our community.
