LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amber Herrick was nominated by her principal, Sonya Cox. 

Ms. Herrick exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and dedication in her role as a school counselor. She consistently goes beyond traditional expectations, working tirelessly to support the academic, emotional, and social development of every student in the school. Ms. Herrick identifies student needs with exceptional skill and provides individualized counseling, safety plans, and targeted lessons to address them comprehensively. Through her proactive, student-centered approach, she fosters an environment where all students feel secure, valued, and empowered to succeed.

One of Ms. Herrick's most significant contributions is the development and implementation of schoolwide Morning Meetings. Each year, she creates a comprehensive curriculum for these sessions based on a positive character trait highlighted each month. This thoughtful planning ensures that students receive consistent, developmentally appropriate social-emotional instruction that promotes empathy, resilience, responsibility, and a strong sense of community.

In addition, she serves as a trusted resource for teachers by providing strategies to address trauma-related behaviors and offering ongoing guidance to maintain positive, supportive classroom environments. Ms. Herrick's impact extends to students whose needs reach far beyond the classroom. Through her ongoing collaboration with teachers, students, and families, countless children have developed the social-emotional tools necessary for success. The students she supports consistently demonstrate growth. She implements preventive measures for students who may struggle with emotional regulation, equipping them with coping strategies before challenges escalate.

Additionally, she maintains close partnerships with outside counseling agencies to ensure students and families receive essential services. Her collaboration with the school social worker ensures that students' basic needs are met, reflecting her unwavering commitment to supporting the whole child. A recent example illustrates the depth of Ms. Herrick's dedication.

This year, a Kindergarten student joined the school after the academic year had begun. The student and family, who spoke no English, experienced significant apprehension about entering a new school environment in an unfamiliar country. Recognizing their vulnerability, Ms. Herrick immediately took steps to create a sense of safety and support. Each morning, she personally met the family at arrival, greeted them with warmth and professionalism, and escorted the child into the building. Her consistent presence helped alleviate fear, build trust, and gradually encourage the student's confidence and engagement in the school community. The family expressed deep gratitude for the reassurance and support they received during such a challenging transition. This effort stands as a clear example of Ms. Herrick's commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging for all students.

Ms. Herrick's dedication is equally evident in her service to families outside the school setting. The school received 50 Thanksgiving meals for families in need, but several parents were unable to pick them up due to transportation barriers. Without hesitation, Ms. Herrick personally delivered the meals to each family, ensuring that no household went without support during the holiday season. This gesture reflects her steadfast belief that caring for students includes caring for their families and meeting essential needs with dignity and compassion.

"Amber Herrick is not only a counselor; she is an advocate, leader, and transformative force within the school community. Her professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to student well-being have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children and families," said Cox.