Jessica Pisano
Position: Social Worker
School: Staten Island Technical High School
School District: New York City Department of Education #31
City, State: New Dorp, NY
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Jessica Pisano was nominated by Haashne Pragash.
Mrs. Pisano embodies what it means to be a true LifeChanger. Through unwavering dedication, compassion, and vision, they have transformed the school community, empowering students to lead with empathy, engage in meaningful service, and advocate for those in need. Their guidance has made initiatives like toy drives, workshops, and support events for vulnerable communities not only possible, but deeply impactful. They lead by example, inspiring students to believe in their ability to create real change. Their commitment, kindness, and belief in student potential make them an extraordinary mentor.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a Life Changer award than my sister. In both her professional and personal life, she’s always looking for ways to lift people up and remind them that they matter. She meets people where they are, treats everyone with dignity, and creates real change through compassion and action. She’s the kind of person who quietly changes lives every day, and this recognition reflects the impact she’s been making for years.
Ms. Pisano has truly changed my mindset and the way I look toward the rest of my high school years. Even though MSK has only just begun and there are still so many memories yet to be made, she has already built an incredible support system that has made me feel seen, understood, and valued. She has created a space where I feel safe to grow, learn, and be myself, and because of that, I trust her deeply not just as a teacher, but as an adult who will guide me with kindness and understanding rather than judgment.
Jess is a bright light for anyone who is lucky enough to have her in their life. She brings immediate comfort and joy into every room she walks into. Jess has not only changed my life but hundreds of others. I’m so excited to see her get recognized like this and hope this opens the door for her to positively impact many more.
Mrs. Pisano is such an amazing mentor and someone who I know I can always go to for help. She is the best!
Jessica is one of the best human beings I know. I can’t think of someone more who embodies a Life Changer. Jessica is an amazing listener, always there when you need her, genuine, and understanding. Everyone who meets her feels that energy immediately. Not only does she make a huge difference in the community, but she even makes a huge difference in the lives of her family and friends. I’ve also had the honor of Jessica helping me build a community for women struggling with grief. I’m so lucky to not only know her but call her a friend. Anyone who crosses paths with Jessica is very lucky.
Beyond the phenomenal work she does professionally, Jessica is a lighthouse to all who are lucky enough to call her a friend. She is always striving to give more, invigorate further, and push healing forward. Jess is truly one of a kind!
As a fellow social worker and more importantly an old friend, it is quite inspiring to see all that she does for her community, especially for the women in her community, as well as her students! I had the opportunity and honor to join a panel she held for her students at College of Staten Island about being a social worker. It was clear she provided her students with a brave space, a safe environment for them to ask the questions that some might hesitate asking in order to grow. Jess is truly a phenomenal woman!
Jess has a powerful presence in her community and leaves an extraordinary impact on those around her. She is thoughtful in her approaches to counseling, and is committed to serving her students. She is a dedicated advocate who shows up for her students and colleagues. She is a life changer!!
Ms.Pisano truly did change my life. I don’t think I even knew it at the time, but she was the reason that I didn’t give up on myself in high school. As a social counselor at Staten Island tech, she has been not only a therapist but also a friend and a role model for so many students, including myself. Her passion, kindness, and hardwork is so genuine and inspiring. As the club advisor for My Sister’s Keeper, she has built a community that is based on love, care, and sisterhood. She influences young men and women to be better versions and themselves and to take care of each other along the way. It is truly a blessing to have her in my life and anyone that has met her knows that too.
I was inspired to join MSK after seeing their Barbie fundraiser. I was just a freshman at the time and I was looking for a way to spend my day in April, and I'm so glad I did. Because of Ms. Pisano, I met so many amazing people who support me and allow me to show vulnerability. I'm always happy to help out her, MSK, and the people we directly impact.
Ms.Pisano allowed me to be vulnerable. The most welcoming and understanding aura surrounds her. She created a community in school, My Sisters Keeper, that no one can separate or break apart. We took on important projects in benefit of society like our fashion show, which donated money to charity for women who are victims of domestic violence. In that club and in her room, she showed me that it’s okay to open up. That there is nothing wrong with feeling sad or having issues. Yet, with her most attentive listening she always manages to make me leave feeling empowered and optimistic. She reminds us of the world that awaits, that we are bigger than our problems. To me LifeSaver is Ms.Pisano’s room. With her inspirational quotes, snacks, games, and yummy smelling room, I am honored to say to speak for her and am forever greatful.
Jess is the epitome of a life changer!! She gives her all to everything she does. She has a magical way of connecting with others, truly seeing them & supporting them. She also hilarious and an amazing person to be around. Go Jess!!!!
Jessica is a life changer because she embodies the qualities that inspire transformation in others—compassion, resilience, and the ability to see potential where others see limits. Her influence extends beyond simple acts of kindness. She creates lasting impact by helping people believe in themselves and take meaningful action toward growth.
Jessica listens deeply and provides emotional support without judgment. Her empathy allows others to feel seen and understood, which can be profoundly healing and motivating. I have had the honor and pleasure to work along side of her for many years . She has taught me what the word selfless means and will treasure that forever !
An awesome honor for an awesome person
jess is the best! as a fellow therapist, i admire & look up to her:) a rare human and someone that truly restores faith in humanity.
Jessica Pisano is a life changer through her extraordinary compassion and ability to truly listen. As a therapist at Staten Island Technical High School, she creates spaces where students feel seen, heard, and safe—often for the first time. She listens without judgment or urgency, helping students navigate challenges with dignity and self-worth in a high-pressure academic environment.
Jessica’s impact is also personal to me: she is a former student, now a colleague and a friend. That full-circle journey speaks to her character and deep understanding of our students’ experiences. Beyond her work with students, Jessica is a trusted presence for colleagues, offering perspective, care, and calm when it’s needed most.
Jessica Pisano changes lives quietly and profoundly through empathy, presence, and unwavering care. She is deeply deserving of the Life Changer of the Year award.
Jessica Pisano Clarke was genuinely the embodiment of hope for me when I was struggling through senior year of high school. She reminded me of what mattered and how to keep perseverance through tougher times. I often reflect on what she had said to me when I find myself in similar spots of discomfort and for that, I am forever grateful for the impact she has had on me and my entire life. It fills me with immense hope and joy to know that she still provides this light to some many more young people and continues to be a beacon in my life still. If there was anyone deserving of this award, it would be her.
I’ve worked with Jessica for a number of years and she’s incredible at providing exactly what her students need. That can be tough love, a shoulder to cry on or someone to fight for you. She’s an incredible collaborator and always looking to push her students forward.
Jessica is an incredible human being, leader, therapist, and educator. She is dedicated to her students and the communities she works within. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes to help improve the lives of those around her. She is someone I aspire to be like everyday and I’m proud to call her a friend. She is more than worthy to receive this award.
The teenage years are formative, and they evolve so quickly. It is one of the most malleable and impressionable phases of life. Still, to truly change the life of even one student—to fundamentally alter their trajectory by reshaping perspective, attitude, and behavior—requires far more than effort and support.
By nature, Jessica has an intense curiosity about the experiences and circumstances that shape her students’ lives, paired with an innate ability to quickly build the trust that allows students to share them. She listens intently, speaks their language, and—above all—genuinely cares. This deep understanding of who her students are, and how they see themselves, creates an environment and community for growth that impacts every student she encounters.
Beyond her ability to connect with students and effect meaningful change lies a tireless commitment and consistency. She is present at every after-school event, leads student empowerment clubs, champions charity & kindness, and relentlessly advocates for the well-being of her students. Her reach across the student body far exceeds her role and responsibilities as the social worker. The personal time and energy she devotes to her students only amplifies her impact.
I said in my wedding vows to Jessica that you can’t fool a high school student—they see you for who you truly are. The love and respect her students have for her is no accident. Changing lives is not just her profession; it is her way of life.
Jessica is a true example of a life changer for our students. She goes above and beyond on a regular basis, showing compassion and care for each student she encounters. I am fortunate to work with her everyday.
Jessica continues to inspire me with how she engages with our high school students, how she continues to have the difficult conversations with them and guides them to find their own path through life.
Jessica puts her heart into all of her endeavors in and out of the school setting and it’s no surprise she was nominated. Her entire adult life so long as I have known her has been dedicated to making people feel safe and empowered.
Jess embodies what it is to truly make a difference in someone’s life. She always listens with an open heart. She is such a selfless woman and will do anything to support her students, friends or literal strangers who need help. I had the pleasure of meeting her this year and she has been such a great and positive influence in my life.
Jessica has an unmatched level of selflessness and dedication that makes her an integral part in the lives so many young people. If you ever have the unique pleasure of listening to her talk about her work, the people she works with, or her ideas and dreams to further support a variety of communities, you will immediately understand how unique and genuine her passion is. I wish I had an adult like Jessica in my life when I was younger, inspiring me in ways I can’t even imagine.
Jess absolutely deserves to be recognized as LifeChanger of the Year. She truly cares about people, will offer a listening ear and helpful advice. Thank you for all the support you have giving me.
Jessica is an exceptional therapist and social worker. She works with myriad children every day and still manages to give each of them the time, care, and attention they deserve. The number of lives she has changed (and continues to change) speaks volumes about who she is and the impact she makes. She helps the people she works with feel valued and purposeful, and she consistently ensures that her students and clients know they matter and that their voices are heard. She would be more than deserving of this award.
Jessica is an exceptional therapist and social worker. She works with myriad children every day and still manages to give each of them the time, care, and attention they deserve. The number of lives she has changed (and continues to change) speaks volumes about who she is and the impact she makes. She helps the people she works with feel valued and purposeful, and she consistently ensures that her students and clients know they matter and that their voices are heard. She would be more than deserving of this award.
Jessica is an incredible friend and coworker who always goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her compassion and intelligence is unmatched and is a constant reminder for myself to always work harder and to advocate for my students in different ways. She is selfless and will do anything to support her students, friends or literal strangers who need help. She has positively changed many lives and will continue to do so for the rest of her life.I cannot think of anyone more deserving for this recognition.
Jessica is absolutely dedicated to enhancing the lives of her students. She has always been tireless, creative and selfless in her desire to help others. She is definitely deserving of this award.
Jessica is an amazing therapist and an even better person.
She is a pillar of the mental health community of new york city, even going as far as co-creating a local community for grieving women to support each other.
But most importantly, and what’s not talked about, is how often she listens, hears, and helps her friends and family, always acting as an intelligent and empathetic ear for her loved ones.
She’d be an excellent and extremely worthy recipient of LCOY.
Jess embodies what it is to truly make a difference in someone’s life. She listens with an open heart and truly sets out to help those who need it. What an incredible woman!
I have known Mrs. Pisano for many years. Not only have I watched her change the lives of her students, I have watched her change the lives of many within our community. She is the first to lend a helping hand, brighten any room she walks into with her warm smile, and the one to make every person feel seen. Mrs. Pisano is a true beacon of light, and any person who is lucky enough to meet her would say the same!
Jessica is the compassionate lifeline for our most vulnerable students, consistently providing support for those navigating severe emotional challenges.Her commitment has changed lives; students have expressed that without her intervention, they might not have survived their high school experience. Her ability to connect deeply with students, especially those with past trauma, is truly remarkable.
Congratulations to Jessica Pisano on being nominated for Life Changer of the Year ! Jessica Pisano truly deserves this recognition !
Jessica Pisano is truly an incredible educator, leader, and life changer in her community. She is extremely compassionate, and guides her students with empathy, patience, and genuine care. She puts love into everything that she does, and inspires her students each and every day to impact the community around them in a positive way.
This nomination is so well deserved! My sister-in-law pours her heart into her school each day and makes a lasting impact on her students. They are incredibly lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate role model!
A school social worker who is truly dedicated to her students does more than support them academically—she touches their lives in lasting ways. Through empathy and compassion, she creates a safe space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. She takes the time to understand each child’s unique challenges and strengths, making every student feel special and important. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering commitment help students navigate difficult moments and build confidence in themselves. By believing in her students and advocating for their well-being, she doesn’t just help them succeed in school—she changes lives! so very proud of her!
So proud of my bestie. Being nominated for a Life Changer award by a student says everything about the kind of therapist and human you are. You show up every day with empathy, skill, and so much heart, and you truly change lives. These kids (and I) are lucky to have you.
