Carol Slatas
Position: School Counselor
School: Farragut Intermediate School
School District: Knox County Schools
City, State: Farragut, TN
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Carol Slatas was nominated by her colleague, Natalie Choate.
Ms. Slatas never stops working for her students. Whether she is teaching an engaging lesson on conflict resolution to a classroom, leading a small group helping students process divorce, working individually with a student on managing their anger, creating individual Career Day schedules for every fifth grader based on their interests, or organizing bags of food for students to take home over the weekends, she is constantly doing what she can to change the lives of her 1,200 students.
Beyond her passion and dedication to her students, she also works tirelessly as a leader for other school counselors in her school district. She is always available to help another counselor brainstorm a solution to a complicated situation with a student or understand the ins and outs of the School Counseling model. She has presented at several PLCs for school counselors and was even a school counseling coach for the state of Tennessee.
"Carol is a rockstar in so many ways...She is an incredible colleague," said Choate. "She is always there to listen and help a teacher who is going through a stressful situation or to throw a baby shower for a pregnant coworker. Carol is incredible, and she changes the lives of everyone she meets."
Carol has been helping people ever since she started school. During the school years, she made many friends and became a person to whom others would confide their concerns. Because of this ability, Carol was asked to join the Natural Helpers program while in high school. Carol's choice of profession has enabled her to use her abilities and has given her the opportunity to continue to help people. As her mother, I know that Carol will always give her best and be there to help people.
~ Elizabeth Lagueux
I am currently retired, however, I was privileged to work at FIS as a Speech Therapist when Carol was the School Counselor. She was always eager to collaborate with me, sharing ideas and materials for our student’s social skill enrichment. I was also impressed with the initiatives she started at the school to help students who had difficulty initiating interactions with peers. She established a “Buddy Bench” where students could sit if they wanted someone to play with during recess. She also initiated a “sit with a new buddy day” where students were to sit with someone they hadn’t yet met. She had conversation starters on the overhead to help facilitate conversation. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of your award than Carol Slates!
Mrs. Slatas is a dedicated part of the team at Inventing Self, Inc. (ISI). As a Life Coach, Mrs. Slatas helps others to connect to their most authentic self and to the world around them to cultivate happiness. Providing a sense of connection and belonging in this world is a calling that Mrs. Slatas is answering through an abundance of love, compassion, empathy and humility. It is an honor to have her as a part of our team at ISI, as it is an honor to have her as a blessing in my life.
I was a graduate student intern working with Mrs. Slatas for a semester last year. I remember reflecting on my first week of working with her and thinking to myself, “if I work with even half of the passion, dedication, and energy as her this semester, it’ll be something to be proud of.” She is everything that everyone has posted here - but I would also add that she is an amazing teacher. As my supervisor, she modeled what she taught me, she saw me as a coworker and not just as an intern (something I appreciated SO much), she valued my thoughts as a person, and she never lost her positivity, even on the days that we were running so hard that we hardly saw each other in the school hallways. I felt like I learned more from her in 4 months than I could’ve learned elsewhere in two years. While working with her, she inspired me to value every student that walked through our office door and she was never too busy to offer any one person her time. Even now, a year later and as I am post grad school and live states away from Farragut, she still checks in with me. I’m thankful for Carol and am honestly envious of everyone that gets to be colleagues with her! Everyone needs a Carol Slatas in their lives!
Carol is an amazing school counselor! She is continuously looking for new ways to support our students, their families, and our staff. She has such a heart for our FIS community. She is an exemplary Admiral - exhibiting honor, courage, and steadfastness on a daily basis! She has a wealth of resources and truly makes a difference in the lives of our students!
Ms. Slatas is loved by her students and feels accessible even with having 1200 students. She does a great job of connecting with parents as well, thru her newsletters and sharing of resources. We are so lucky to have her!
According to the Lifechanger of the Year website, a nominee is someone who inspires and goes above and beyond for their students. They are an individual who makes a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. All this and much more is true for Carol Slatas. Mrs. Slatas’ passion and dedication to her students first and foremost, but also to her colleagues and community, is unsurpassed. The Lifechanger of the Year title doesn’t seem as accurate as perhaps Liveschanger of the Year and for a Lifetime. Through her innovation, energy, tireless work ethic and commitment, Mrs. Slatas changes so many lives in such a positive way each and every day of the year. She is a blessing to all. Mrs. Slatas is beyond deserving of this very prestigious award.
Carol embodies leadership, empathy, and a counseling skill set that provides an enormous resource to her school and greater community. Students and parents benefit from her expertise in provide school counseling services. She is also a lifelong learner and constantly focuses on growing and self-improvement. Grateful to call her a colleague and friend!
Every word of this is spot on! Our son was at her school for three years and we were beyond impressed. Carol is a fantastic school counselor and she works tirelessly to help each and every student. She is proactive with creating dialog and programs to teach the students how to work together and to stay mentally healthy. I am so grateful to know her and wish her the very best!
We are so fortunate to have Carol living in our neighborhood, and doing so much for our students and their families.
Carol Slatas is truly a life changer and should definitely receive this award!! Carol takes time to meet with students, follow up with them, assist teachers in taking care of student needs, teach each class about age appropriate relevant issues, and support teachers each day with a smile and kind word. She portrays someone who loves her job, her school, and the staff and kids she sees each day. I couldn’t imagine anyone more worthy of an award. I am proud to call her a friend, coworker, and our counselor!
After staying at home with my young children, I had the fortune of re-entering the counseling world with Carol as my co-worker. What a blessing she was to me as I learned how the field changed in my absence. I witnessed Carol tackle new issues head on by attending conferences, seminars, and participating in continuing education. She has presented, facilitated, and lead region conferences for school counselors. Her involvement in these matters allows her influence of changing lives to extend past those with whom she has direct contact. She blazes a path for other counselors in our county to follow.
She is a leader in her school through several committees that maintain school culture. She supports students and staff through classroom lessons that comprehensively build upon concepts from year to year. She provides small group and individual counseling to meet student's needs as they arise. She sacrifices her time and energy to ensure that student's are thriving. After spending the day in the trenches with students and staff, she makes sure to followup with parents after school hours. I believe this example of kindness and persistence not only changes the lives of her students, but their caregivers, as well.
While there are so many things that Carol does to change lives, it's more of who she is that qualifies her for being the Lifechanger of the Year. In spite of all these things she has accomplished, she remains humble and so kind. When you are in her presence, you are made to feel like the most important person. No issue feels small or petty as she lends an understanding ear with a heart ready to devise a plan of action. My life as a counselor, mom, and friend is changed by Carol's example. I can think of nobody else more worthy of this honor.
Every word of her profile is so true! And it wasn’t that long ago that Carol was doing all of that and also serving school counselors throughout East Tennessee as a School Counselor Coach for the Department of Education. To say that she is outstanding is an understatement! The most incredible part is that she does all that she does with a beautiful smile and generous spirit! I’m grateful to know her!
We are lucky to have Carol on our school campus. She pours her heart and soul into helping our students feel successful and develop the necessary skills to be happy and productive. Her hard work does not go unnoticed and is a gift to our students.
Mrs. Slatas really knows how to work with kids to develop their confidence and have tools for success. She works very hard to make sure each child's psychological need is taken care of, and is an integral part of our school. She aids teachers, she communicates with parents, and she really goes above and beyond (even on her own time) to make sure everyone has the ability to achieve their goals. She's warm and caring and deserves recognition!
Carol is the definition of an amazing school counselor and professional. She is a lifelong learner, aiming to continue to grow and pour into others. She shares wonderful resources with students to help them cope through emotions like anxiety, sadness, grief, and more. She even shares helpful tools and resources with me! She serves in many leadership roles as a school counselor and educator. One thing I love about Carol is her ability to advocate for student needs, even when it is not easy. She truly cares, and this shows through her amazing impact on our community!
Ms. Slatas is a wonderful counselor. She recently hosted a virtual coffee hour for parents to discuss anxiety. It is such a timely topic and the information shared will be helpful during and after the pandemic. Ms. Slatas has the trust of her students and always seems interested in identifying relevant topics to discuss with students and parents. Our school is fortunate to have her!
Ms. Slatas is so amazing. She help our daughter in a time that we were so desperate and we cannot thank her enough. Her passion for what she does is noticeable and she really is making a difference in school. Thank you for Care.
Mrs. Slatas goes above and beyond her job description in so many ways. One thing that stood out to me when I first started teaching at the school Carol works at, is that she takes the time to read student quarterly journals that she gives them and comment on each and every one! We have over 1000 students. That's 4000 journal entries, folks!! She knows many of the students and little special things about them that endear them to her. They know they have a safe space with her. She was made to be an elementary school counselor.
I can't say enough about my friend Carol Slatas! She is the most warm-hearted and selfless person I know. It takes this kind of person to really relate to the students, and sincerely listen to them and provide that loving and caring guidance in whatever areas they need. She is an incredible person, and deserves this nomination very much!
Mrs. Slatas is a HUGE asset to our school. She supports our students, families, and staff. Everyone loves her! We are so blessed at FIS to have her with us.
Carol has been a life saver for our team over the years we’ve been blessed to work with her. She goes above and beyond for every person she comes in contact with.
Carol is a such an asset to our school and a blessing to those around her! She works hard to know the needs of our students, our school, and our community. She genuinely cares for others and it shows in the countless hours she gives above and beyond the call of duty. Her positive outlook, caring nature, and desire to make a difference are unmatched!
Carol Slatas is truly a life changer and should definitely receive this award!! Carol takes time to meet with students, follow up with them, assist teachers in taking care of student needs, teach each class about age appropriate relevant issues, and support teachers each day with a smile and kind word. She portrays someone who loves her job, her school, and the staff and kids she sees each day. I couldn’t imagine anyone more worthy of an award. I am proud to call her a friend, coworker, and our counselor!
Carol is an all around wonderful human being. I fee honored to call her a friend and mentor. While working towards my masters in counseling, I was her intern at FIS. It is difficult to put into words how much I learned from her. Carol is extremely intelligent, and I was able to talk, brainstorm, and learn from her throughout my internship. They are valuable lessons I carry with me now.The passion she has for her job is infectious. Every school and child deserves a Carol Slatas.
Ms. Slatas is a great resource for parents and even with the pandemic has kept up coffee with your counselor virtually. My child has experienced a lot of anxiety due to Covid and Ms. Slatas has been a tremendous help to her! She followed up with me several times and provided at home resources for my child.
Carol was my supervisor when I was a counseling intern and I owe so much of my ability to her. She was the greatest mentor I could have asked for. Because of her, I left graduate school and started my career with a more than solid foundation. One of the things I admired most was that her students knew how she could help and that she would help.
During my time as her intern, I saw the passion she had for helping students and adults alike. She brings a smile to the face of everyone she comes across. She truly changed lives.
Nothing is more “life-changing” than setting young children up for a lifetime of being able to cope with and manage emotions through the ups and downs of this world. Mrs. Slatas has dedicated her life to this powerful mission, impacting the lives of countless children in the Farragut community. Her commitment is unwavering and selfless. She brings compassion and care to everything she does and makes all students feel valued and empowered. Mrs. Slatas consistently gives 100% to the community and I am honored to celebrate her influence and efforts in this comment. Thank you Ms. Choate for nominating this well-deserving school counselor.
I cannot express enough just how amazing and wonderful Mrs. Slatas is as person. I have known her for several years in sports and her as my kids counselor. Even if my kids don’t have her she goes out of her way to check on them. Mrs slatas is a very impactful, innovative, passionate and driven in helping the kids at Farragut intermediate and the parents. She makes the kids feel safe and know they have a comfortable setting in talking to her about their problems. In this day and time kids needs to feel secure and she does that and they know she apart of their village. She is compassionate to every person she meets and the kids. She always has a smile on her face and the attitude we got this. She is a leader in mental health, bullying, and all child’s needs are met she one in a million. In this time she is an rare and impressive. I know I can pick up a phone and know no matter what she will be there foe my kids or me. So she is the definition of a life changer and impacts a life in a positive way and leaves them with knowing her name.
Carol is such an amazing support to have in our school for the students and the teachers! She is always there to help when we need her. My students faces light up when she joins us in class. We feel truly blessed to have such an amazing counselor!
Mrs. Slatas pours out so much into our kids! She goes above and beyond to take care of them, and provides so much love and suppport!
Mrs slatas is an amazing person. Someone who finds out that a child is having a problem, difficult time, and maybe struggling in school to say how can I help in a school that has 1400 kids. She is inspiring at tell kids to do their best, they are not alone and they have a village. I should know two of my kids have had her. They feel safe and know she willing to help them a big goal for her is mental health, stop bullying, and being your best self. She gives off such a positive energy, and people feed off that and in this day and time that is rare. Carol is very impactful, innovative, caring and service to help her children and in the community. I have never seen her without a smile on her face. She loves her job and her community! Yes she is the definition of life changer of the parents and the kids lives at Farragut intermediate. Even when she wasn’t my kids counselor she followed them and checked in. She always goes above and beyond. School is hard on kids and they need a strong voice and that what she is.
Thank you for your time and hope you see what I see in her!
I am always in awe when I see Carol. She’s always so positive and makes everyone feel so good about themselves. I am blessed to work with her.
Carol has such a patient and kind soul. She takes the time to really listen to each student and let them know they are important.
Ms. Slatas is an incredible and caring counselor. She works diligently for her students to support them through transitions and in navigating their complex lives. She works tirelessly for all of her kids, and we appreciate the genuine effort and consideration she takes to work for each child and family in her charge. Thank you, Ms. Slatas!
Carol is one of the hardest working counselors I know. Her love and passion for her students shines in everything she does for them. Her lessons embody creativity and reflection for all students. She is a well deserving candidate!
Carol is an amazing mother, friend, sister in law and counselor. She takes time out her day to make sure everyone around her is happy before she is. She will go without to make sure someone in need has what they need. I know I can always count on her for anything.
To Whom it May Concern:
Carol Slates is an amazing young woman. I am a family friend, who also happens to be a retired middle school teacher.
Carol is a outstanding schoool counselor. However, outside of school, she has the ability to relate to anyone, at any age, at any point in their life. People are drawn to her warmth, sincerity and kindness. She always puts other people’s needs first and foremost..
I am honored to know Carol and call her my friend..I can honestly say I consider her one of the finest people I know...She truly deserves any honor that can be bestowed upon her....
There is nothing more important than that of the children. Carol is a selfless advocate. I’ve been blessed through the years by her encouragement in regards to our daughter who had incredible complex medical needs. Carol was the first to champion my fight when advocating for Olivia’s right to educational opportunities. As well, a delightful and edifying zoom conversation during Covid round one was clear regarding her efforts and strong position to make sure the sequela of this pandemic on the children is proactively minimized.
Carol is a life changer at home and hundreds of miles away!
Carol's kind smile and gentle nature make her approachable to both her students and her colleagues. Her generous spirit shines as she's willing to help whenever needed, even when not asked. She's also a good listener for her trusting students. If anyone is deserving of the honor of the "Lifechanger of the Year" award, it's definitely Carol Slatas.
Carol is amazing and is so deserving of this award!
Carol is amazing and truly a blessing to our school!
Carol is a wonderful school counselor, friend & neighbor. She has helped two of my kiddos during their time at FIS going above & beyond the call of duty on multiple occasions. She conducted a small social group to develop relationship skills that my child benefited from as well as advocating for their needs & conducting weekly check ins during a rough patch at school. Carol is a great asset to our school & community & she truly cares about supporting the students & families.
Carol is a wonderful example of a great school counselor. She always puts her students first and supports them with therapeutic interventions, professional expertise and love. She has engaged and is passionate about supporting students and adults who struggle with emotional issues that sometimes lead them to consider suicide. Carol is a vivacious, hardworking, intelligent employee who is loved by her colleagues and respected by her supervisors. She is so worthy of this nomination.
Carol Slatas was my Intern at Montgomery County Public Schools for the school year 2003/2004. She was an outstanding Counselor Intern! I am whole heartedly endorse her for the Life Changer Award! Her commitment and counseling skills were outstanding. She was a pleasure to train.
Thank you for your consideration,
Catherine Rinzel
Retired Counselor
Montgomery County Public Schools
Garrett Park Maryland
Carol goes above for each of her students to support them and families! We are so grateful to have her apart of the team at Farragut Intermediate. She enriches all of our lives by using what she has been taught and continues to learn. We love you Carol!
Carol is simply the best! She is always there to support others and helps in every way she can.
Our family has known Carol Slatas for several years. She has been a guidance counselor for two of our three children and we know her from our community as well. When my father passed away last year, it was Carol who did check in’s with our kids and with me. It was like Carol just knew when I needed an encouraging word and she provided that for me and my children. She is truly a life encourager as well as a life changer!
Carol Slatas is the most kind, compassionate and caring person that I know. She cares so much about so many people, I truly don't know how she does it. I would nominate her for anything she ran for but Life Changer of the Year just about sums her up. The Foundation would be missing out by not having her a part of it.
Everything Natalie said I also experienced firsthand working as a counselor alongside her at Farragut Intermediate. I couldn't ask for a better teammate. Her energy, compassion, and positive mindset were an inspiration to staff and students alike. Carol is a lifechanger for good!
Watching Carol interact with students gives me joy as I watch her connect and make a difference in self-esteem and emotional growth. Had I had a counselor like Carol when I was in school, I feel certain of some different and more positive outcomes. She is patient and sincere and so enjoyable! How lucky Farragut is to have her!
Carol works tirelessly to help students. FIS is a large school, but she she is still able to talk with each class and keep up with their journals. Carol is incredible!
I work with Carol Slatas and she is wonderful. Carol does an amazing job supporting the students and staff at Farragut Intermediate. She does her job daily with a big smile. This works needs more people like Carol ??
Carol is an extraordinarily dedicated school counselor who puts the highest priority on the mental well being of children at FIS. In addition to Carol’s daily efforts, she collaborated with UT Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology for 2 projects: 1) Daily Habits of the Anti-Bully, an interactive pro social lesson directed towards 4th graders at FIS. AND 2) guest speaker for the Introduction to the school counselor’s role for speech pathology graduate students. She offered her time and wisdom to college graduate students who were learning about interdisciplinary collaboration. Carol’s flexibility and willingness to include colleagues in her mission makes her life changing methods reach even farther.
I work with Ms. Slatus at FIS. I work with Special Education students and she has provided resources, guidance, and support for my social skills groups. She has both given and created resources for me. If she knows what topic I’m covering, she randomly drops materials on my desk. For her to go out of her way to support students who aren’t accessing her services and who are also in Special Education is extremely rare. Ms. Slatus is energetic, kind, and is beloved by students. She is an endless resource and an integral part of our school. Carol Slatus would be a wonderful selection for the Life Changer of the Year Award.
Carol Slatas is the epitome of what a Life Changed represents. She is such a positive and energetic light to all around her including students, colleagues, friends and family.
Carol is a hard worker and never afraid to be hands on and ask questions to get the job done in supporting those around her. She does so with a God given finesse that is a testament to her calling as a counselor.
It is without hesitation that I recommend her for this position for she is not only an amazing colleague but a life long friend!
Nothing is more “life-changing” than setting young children up for a lifetime of being able to cope with and manage emotions through the ups and downs of this world. Mrs. Slatas has dedicated her life to this powerful mission, impacting the lives of countless children in the Farragut community. Her commitment is unwavering and selfless. She brings compassion and care to everything she does and makes all students feel valued and empowered. Mrs. Slatas consistently gives 100% to the community and I am honored to celebrate her influence and efforts in this comment. Thank you Ms. Choate for nominating this well-deserving school counselor.
I can't think of someone more deserving of this award than Carol. She has enhanced the lives of so many children, in and out of the school system, it is truly her life's calling!
Carol is well deserving of this award! Not only is she amazing in her school and community, she uses her free time to attend camps that are designated for children in crisis. Her love and compassion for all students shines through and encourages others. She is already a Lifechanger!
