Shandia Booker
Position: School Counselor
School: Milliones 6-12 University Preparatory School
School District: Pittsburgh Public School District
City, State: Pittsburgh, PA
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Music that Describes Shandia
Shandia Booker was nominated by an anonymous friend.
Ms. Booker has gone above and beyond her daily responsibilities by creating and organizing life-changing programs for her students. She has organized a virtual talent show for her school. In early 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, she organized an honor banquet where more than 100 families showed up to support the students.
Ms. Booker is the creator of the Love Yourself and I Matter programs. These are annual self-esteem and self-empowerment programs for the students. The programs promote self-love and self-care, which is very important for young girls and boys to learn and practice. Ms. Booker was recognized as the Region 4 Homeless Advocate of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for her hard work helping homeless students.
Ms. Booker is very passionate about mentoring young girls. She has written a book using her own personal struggles with self-esteem to help mentor and guide pre-teen and teen girls through their adolescent years. She won the Author Zone Award for her book, Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself. Ms. Brooker is also the co-facilitator of the 6th/7th grade girls group. As a facilitator, she donated her books to the participants.
Ms. Booker helps train social work interns from the Homewood Children’s Village. She also created and organizes a Christmas Toy Drive for families in Homewood every year.
Ms. Booker is a native Pittsburgher. She's a proud graduate of Perry High School. The work she performs is life-changing because it provides the students with support and opportunities that they may not always receive, but are vital to their development. She is dedicating her life to helping her community.
God has given her gifts to help others; and to spread the love among communities and adolescents. These gifts are given to everyone if we as people tap into our own gifts we as God children can change the world to make a difference. My precious Queen gives light. The daughter of a king wants everyone’s light to shine !??
Amazing counselor who goes above and beyond for her students every year! Congratulations!
I was blessed to have worked with Ms. Booker and when I heard she wrote a book, I was so excited that I went online and purchased it that day. Her 1st book, "Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself" should be required reading for all young girls struggling or just trying to find their way through the early year of being a teenager in the inner city. I am anxiously waiting to see what she has planned next !
Ms. Booker is a dedicated School Counselor willing to advocate for her students, parents and support school staff when in need. She has organized a multitude of events to expand opportunities for her student body and plant seeds of inspiration for the future. Her visionary outlook is without question one of her greatest qualities that guide her toward a successful school counseling program.
When it comes to being a life changer, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award. If you have ever been around Shandia for anymore than 20 minutes her love for her community and her students are bound to be brought up at some point. Shandia is one of the few people who turn words into action. The ideas she acts on are never for self gratification, but uplift for her community. She has put on multiple community events that have instilled self-worth, self-love and confidence in her students and has also been a major change agent for many famlies. Being around her has changed me as a professional and as a person and im thankful that we crossed paths.
Ms. Booker passion, drive and love for what she does is self evident if you ever spent more than 30 minutes with her. I've personally seen her take on challenges that were insurmountable for most and succeed with a smile, from the satisfaction of helping her students and people around her. Through multiple community events that she ran and one on one interactions with students and peers, she has been nothing but a valuable contribution to everyone's life that she's around. I can't think of anyone more deserving for this nomination.
You are the epitome of our hopes for Duquesne school counseling alumni. I greatly admire your advocacy, collaboration with the community, and being proactive in meeting the needs of students and their families.
You was really supportive and caring and You really helped me a lot about self-confidence and I had the confidence I needed to even attempt the talent show. Thank you a lot!!!
Miss.Booker help me with a lot she help me to be calm when people use to make me mad , And she help me with to stay out of drama .And she help me get my workers permit, Miss. Booker help me a lot and gave me good Advice too Miss . Booker is the best teacher and a good teacher - Ja'Niaya Lawhorn.
Ms booker is an amazing counselor, she is a positive impact on others to have self-esteem.
Ms.Shandia is an amazing person she is very confident in herself. She deserves this!
Ms. Booker is a strong advocate for her students. She is present, caring, and committed to her work as a counselor. She is a mentor and change agent!
This is amazing!!! You absolutely deserve this. You are an amazing person and friend. You’re such a hard dedicated worker and strive to better yourself everyday. I’m so proud of you!!! You deserve this and so much more
Congratulations and Thank You!
Congratulations Ms. Booker! You work tirelessly to create the best learning and life experiences for our students. It just wouldn't be UPrep without you!
As a professional, I hold a similar position to Ms. Booker. However, I cannot even compare in the slightest way to her dedication towards truly helping students. It is apparent immediately when you see how students approach her—because they know she cares, because they know she will help them, and because she is God sent in a way that is clearly evident as one watches her gifts. All students are treated equally and all students are treated specially. No one is more deserving!
Ms. Booker's positivity, knowledge, and dedication to students are an inspiration to others. I am happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from her and hope that her work is recognized with this award.
Ms. Booker!!!!! I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Booker at Pittsburgh Milliones for the past year and a half. She is an amazing advocate for families and ALWAYS puts students first!! I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with her. She is so deserving of this honor and I am so proud of her! :)
Ms.Booker is great for this position because she is good with people and she is also a great guidance counselor
Ms Booker is so deserving of this nomination. She is always there for the parents and students. She tries to find a solution to every situation that we may have. She is on top of her game at all times.
What a great nomination!!! Of anyone I can think of who deserves this honor, I believe Shandia Booker is the person! I saw the word tireless pop up, and I totally agree. I mean TIRELESS. Ms. Booker is so dedicated, works so hard, and is always positive no matter the trials or frustrations that may come her way. I work with her at Milliones 6-12 and I have witnessed progress in my students directly related to her counseling and interventions. When she works with students, you see results!! I have also seen the simultaneously warm and professional way she has in connecting with our school families as well. She always thinks of how people are feeling as people first and treats them with the utmost respect & love, while also providing clear and firm expectation. In the interactions that I have been a part of (many of them difficult conversations), I believe everyone feels better, stronger, and more committed after speaking with Ms.Booker. I also worked with her on the recent talent show and I can hardly tell you all the hours that she put in connecting with students, supporting each individual talent while managing beautifully the insecurities that popped up in our young students. She built their confidence in a way that I believe will grow with them for years. I have to also highlight the QUALITY of Ms. Booker's work. When other people settle and say, "Oh, that''ll do," Ms. Booker goes the extra mile to insure that work is executed with the highest expectations, resulting in products and outcomes that are next level--her work is not only memorable, but simply beautiful as well. I appreciate that quality SO much in a world that so often settles. I truly support this nomination and lend my utter support and agreement.
Shandia is passionate about making a difference and empowering youth, especially young ladies. As the founder and visionary of Love Yourself, she has equipped hundreds of inner city teen girls to shine bright and reach their goals by first building their esteem, and helping them walk as ladies of purpose and power. Ms. Booker is a caring, welcoming, knowledgeable and professional school counselor who is a source of guidance and wisdom to her students. She is well respected by her colleagues and she is a team player. As the author of Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself, the message of hope and empowerment she shares has reached all throughout the United States and has impacted readers in Africa as her book is in libraries there as well. I highly recommend Shandia Booker as the recipient of this award. Her works, passion, and impact are well deserving of this Lofe Changers Award.
I have had the pleasure of calling Ms. Booker a colleague.at Pittsburgh Milliones for the past year and a half. She is a great advocate for families and always puts students first. I would recommend her for this honor and am excited to see what projects and opportunities she has upcoming for our students. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with her.
I support the nomination to award Shandia Booker as Lifechanger of the Year! Her passion to help the next generation succeed in life is evident in all that she does. She lives her life as an inspiration. She has written "Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself" an amazing book to encourage young girls (like my pre-teen niece who read it and felt empowered).
I have had the privilege of speaking at the Love Yourself event Ms. Booker created to promote self-love and self-esteem, and have also participated in her UPrep Speaker Series aimed at encouraging college and life readiness. At her request, I shared my journey from a young girl who grew up attending Pittsburgh Public Schools to walking the red carpet as an Emmy Award-winning Television Editor. Ms. Booker does not hesitate to bring worthwhile events and programs to the students in her care.
I have had the pleasure of knowing her since we were in undergraduate at Clarion University and I am thankful to know such a phenomenal woman!
Ms. Booker works tirelessly to support students in helping them build self confidence. She has created many events to help showcase student talent and academic achievement
Miss Booker is a very caring young lady .She will .work very hard for the young people in her school ,church,and neighborhood
This is amazing on all levels your family is proud of your commitment to the community you continue to serve effortlessly may god continue to bless you.
Shandia has always been a beautiful person inside and out.
I have known Shandia since teaching at Duquesne University where she was an outstanding student in the Masters degree program in Counselor Education and Supervision. From that point on I knew that Shandia had an extraordinary sense of caring and support for the community and skills to make a difference! I am happy to call Shandia a colleague and a friend. She has spoken to my students and supervises on several occasions and the students and professional counselors are always impressed and grateful that she was able to take the time to share the many experiences she has had and what activities are particularly effective at helping and supporting the community. Shandia always treats people with the utmost respect and consideration and brings boundless positive energy to her work. I know her passion for helping and enriching young peoples lives will continue, and I look forward to seeing and being a part of her future efforts and programs!
Ms Booker is an energetic, caring and an amazing advocate for her students. She is admired and respected by all. Ms. Booker is a blessing who has changed the lives of so many students and families. Her impact will been seen for years to come.
Shandia Booker is an amazing young lady who I’ve know since her HS days with my girls. She has strong faith which reflects in her love of people in general. She was always reflective, self-aware, supportive and determined. She carried these characteristics over in her adult life as an educator and mentor! Pittsburgh is blessed to have her as an asset to their city and communities. Much love and success Shandia.
When I grow up, I want to be just like Ms. Booker! She is the epitome of a life-changer. She is truly living out the change we want to see. She inspired me to move into the education sector and she continues to inspire me with her love and dedication to young girls. This woman of God knows her purpose and is walking in it! Congratulations Ms. Booker! May God continue to use and favor you in this new year.
Shandia is an educated, caring, competent, talented, and creative School Counselor. She combines her skills and talents to assist students to become their best. Shandia has developed several programs to empower students that include showcasing their talents. She has also written one of the best books “Dear Brooklyn” that I have read and used with groups of girls to help them develop a love for themselves. Shandia is an exemplary Role Model to many.
Ms. Booker is so deserving of this nomination. When I think of “lifechangers”, she is certainly high on that list! Ms. Booker impacts the lives individually in her daily work and interactions with students, colleagues, and families as she skillfully and compassionately teaches and encourages. She also impacts lives at the national level through the book she published to inspire girls and help them navigate through this life. Her one-of-a-kind book meets a very real need. Ms. Booker is dedicated, driven, kind, and understanding, and an amazing role model. I have been blessed to have her support with our mentoring program and blessed to have her encouragement in my life.
That is nice and beautiful you are telling and mentoring young girls about self care and self love that is nice and beautiful ??
Awww??Me so happy and congratulations ?? I am happy for you ???And I love u and u made it through this even with COVID ??
Shandia is an amazing person and professional. She is always there to help those in need of her abilities and gifts. You do not have to be part of her assigned caseload for her to provide assistance. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.
Ms. Booker presented an excellent workshop for Blessed Be Educators in February 2020. She is an enthusiastic speaker and highly professional!
Miss Booker is a caring individual. She cares about the growth, success, and well-being
of families and youth in the Pittsburgh community.
Ms. Booker is a self-less advocate for children, teens, and young girls. Her heart is pure and she does everything with the thought of others first. Her book Dear Brooklyn is a inspiration to young girls everywhere and the knowledge she provides to these girls is powerful. Personally I know she just wants the best for others and working in the school counseling role she is afforded the daily opportunity to positively impact the lives of youth who need someone around them that genuinely cares.
Ms. Booker's work and committment to our students is remarkable. She is a tireless advocate for our most needy students and families as well a powerful motivator and model for all our students. She is a creative thinker, team player, and connects students to projects and experiences that ecourage student voice and curiousity about new learning. I am grateful to be working with such a talented and deadicated educator.
I am so proud of Ms. Booker's achievements. Five years ago before my retirement, I got the opportunity to work with Ms. Booker. As a novice, just getting started, I knew she was going to do great things, for our children. She worked on her lunch period, tutoring children. She's an excellent role model for our children. I know she is so deserving of this award,. Congratulations Ms. Booker!
Shandia is amazing. She goes above and beyond for her students, former students and students who are not hers but seek her counsel. She has help parents understand what part they play for their scholars. If she is called she answers o matter who it is or what it is for. Shandia has a heart of gold and deserves to. E more than recognized
Ms. Booker is the perfect nominee for this award she has a passion for empowering our youth and works tirelessly to ensure they have knowledge of self and helps to instill values while ensuring they’re receiving the tools they need to be successful
She is a very nice person with a big heart
Ms. Booker and I were colleagues in Duquense University Masters of School Counseling program. Ironically, she got a job as a school counselor at Pittsburgh Faison Elementary and her students transition to my school, Pittsburgh Westinghouse. Over the years, I watched as Ms. Booker made all her hard work and efforts during our program, come to life in her work and program development.
One of her true passions is designing and implementing programming to uplift young inner-city girls. Her annual program, “Love Yourself” serves an empowerment program were young girls learn about self-esteem, puberty, and develop career goals during a day of transitional activities, guess speakers, and psychoeducation. It serves as a “Rites of Passage”, as they move onto middle school. Now published author, Ms. Booker released, "Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself" in 2018. This self-help book was created to help young girls feel empowered and valued, specially during the difficult to mange pre-teen years.
With her transition to middle school counselor at Pittsburgh Faison, she works effortlessly to prepare students for high school, and has very successful in creating programs to increase student engagement during online learning caused by Covid-19.Till this day, Ms. Booker remains a great friend and colleague, who I can always count on for peer supervision in navigating the school counseling world.
Shandia is an excellent role model for young girls. She is nurturing in and has a humble sprit. Her work in writing is evidence of her passion and beliefs. I feel this nomination is well deserved.
Ms. Booker is a dedicated, committed, hard-working educator and counselor who cares greatly about her students and the surrounding community. I definitely would recommend Ms. Booker for this award as she is deserving of the recognition and acknowledgements. Her future in education is bright because she truly cares and her work speaks for itself.
Ms. Booker you desire this award, I have watched you working with children and making a way for the older girls and boy for
" Love Yourself" That was a great program you started at Faison School, I Loved it and was so glad when you asked the Grandmothers of Pearls to support your cost.. May You be Blessed
Ms. Booker is a true blessing in the Pittsburgh Public school system. I have had the opportunity to watch the growth and success of her programming with students over the years and I know it’s because of advocates like her many young people get the opportunity to truly strive for their fullest potential. She’s also not one to look for recognition she just does the work because it’s necessary. Makes it even better she give from the heart. I thank Ms. Booker for all she has done and will continue to do as we navigate our way through these uncertain times.
Ms. Booker truly embodies what it means to be a dedicated professional school counselor and more importantly a trailblazing “life changer”. She dedicates countless hours to connecting with each of the students in her school to support them by any means necessary and help them continue to thrive and leave no future out of reach. However, what highlights her dedication to reaching her students, as well as students throughout the world is her work creating the Love Yourself and I Matter programs, and most notably penning the book “Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself”. This literary masterpiece continues to help young girls develop a positive self image, and develop a strong rooted faith in their ability to achieve. This book is used both in educational settings as well as therapeutic settings, expanding the reach of her life changing tools. Her compassion and care for others is evident within moments of meeting her and everyone who has the chance to spend time with her is better for it.
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandia when she was a counselor at Fasion Elementaty. There, she played an integral role in my niece's elementary school experience. I watched as Shandia went above and beyond to counsel and advocate for my niece. My niece, like most young ladies, had difficulties finding her place in school. However, with the assistance of Shandia, my niece was able to understand the importance of academics and self-efficacy. Later in life, I had the pleasure of working with Shandia on a professional level. Being the Program Manager for a female leadership group, I welcomed Shandia to facilitate a workshop for the high school students. Shandia's professionalism and expertise shined through as she engaged the students. The students rave about that experience till this day. Through both a personal and professional lens, I witnessed Shandia truly aspire to change lives. She has accomplished many great things such as creating programs and writing a book. All centered around enpowering youth. However, I'd like to add that she accomplished being a role model for many students. When it's easy to just do your job, Shandia almost always go above and beyond to give the students what they need. Her life's work is a testament to her passion for uplifting youth. And I'm confident her future endeavors will be a reflection of that as well. Thank you, Shandia, for being a true gem. You are appreciated.
Ms. Booker is a phenomenal woman. I first met Ms. Booker during the start of my professional career journey as a therapist for Community Empowerment Association. During that time, she was helping and serving the students at Pittsburgh Faison Pre-K-5. She goes above and beyond to make sure the students get their needs met along with their families. When she says that she is going to do something, she does it!
Ms. Booker is the counselor every student, particularly those of color, needs. She has exceptional ability to identify needs and address them with care and compassion. She has wonderful insight and is able to navigate complex situations with ease. She has a particular interest building self-esteem and self love. This is evident in the programs she has developed. And it is critical in a world where little black girls and boys grow up and are often perceived negatively.
Her desire to instill positive values and provide accessible and relatable role models for students leaves an impression with all those that she comes in contact with. I had the opportunity to witness the commitment that Ms. Booker has to her students when we were coworkers so I can attest to her genuine and selfless nature as well as to her professionalism, creativity and impact on student lives. Ms. Booker is black girl magic personified. She has gifts that are well suited for her profession which is also her passion. But we are all blessed that she is willing to share, teach and grow her gifts with her students and the community around her. Any accolade she receives, is earned and well deserved.
Ms. Shania Booker is a pillar in the community which she servers. Her work seems effortless yet l know she puts many devoted hours into her commitments. Her dedication to the students self esteem programs ,internships, advocacy for the homeless ,and toy drives are things she does naturally without recognition. This is a great way to say Thank you for all you do from the community and school.
When I think of Shandia Booker I think of "Love yourself" Teaching young ladies how to love everything about themselves through song, dance, rap, poetry, books etc. What ever it takes to reach them. She has such a love for the youth She is an excellent nominee for Lifechanger of the year.
Ms Booker is the best school counselor ever. She has helped my children and i thru the toughest times. She deserves the world. Thank u for everything Ms Booker and congratulations
Shandia is well deserving of this recognition. She is truly a light through a dark tunnel. I’m proud to call her a colleague and friend.
Shandia is a fiercely committed advocate for her students and her Comminity. It is an honor to know her and to work with our board to increase opportunities for the kids in her care.
Ms. Booker has been able to accomplish several significant milestones, which displays her professional excellence. Paramount is in August 2018 Ms. Booker released her first book entitled, “Dear Brooklyn, Love Yourself”, which was a number #1 New Release in the Youth Ministry Category on Amazon. Moreover, Ms. Booker was a ‘The Author Zone Award’ (TAZ) recipient in the Self-Help category. In 2017, Ms. Booker was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as the Region 4 Homeless Advocate of the year for her work in advocating for Homeless students. Ms. Booker has been able to gain all of the aforementioned accomplishments and professional recognitions while maintaining her primary position as a Professional School Counselor, which requires for her to maintain a caseload of over 450 primary age children. Despite such a daily high demand, Ms. Booker continues to go above and beyond by having developed enrichment programming for students and families, one of which has been highlighted by local media entitled ‘Love Yourself’.
As a form of mentorship Ms. Booker has been an invited speaker for a number of counselors-in-training at a number of institutions including: The University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. As an invited speaker Ms. Booker engages students and provides them with practical tools and knowledge to assist with their development as future counselors. Furthermore, Ms. Booker has fostered professional relationships with Homewood Children’s Village social work and counseling interns. Since Pittsburgh Public Schools are a common field placement site for interns, Ms. Booker has had the pleasure of being a resource and guide as interns provide services to children and parents as a requirement of their academic program.
Shandia is very professional and goes beyond the call of Duty to make sure her students and families needs are met. Shandia thinks outside the box to keep her students engaged so they will show up and show out to get educated in these rare times of COVID-19 . Her ability surpasses many aspects of her job .Shandia will help others that she works with all that God grace has given her .
Ms. Booker...when I think of her I just smile and thank God for people like her. She makes all people feel loved, included, and encouraged. She is constantly looking for ways to use her education, her skills to serve and help others. She wants others to achieve, to learn, to grow, to do different and better. She is beautiful on the inside and outside. She is an example. She doesnt try to take all the credit, she pulls others in and has them use their gifts. I was asked by her to co-lead a lunch time girls group. She is always thinking of ways to help her students. I am happy that someone nominated her for this.
Peace
Jen Branson
Since we were teenagers trying to figure out what life was all about Shandia has been an inspiration to me. She is one of the most loving, gracious, intelligent women I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Shandia not only expects excellence for herself but for those she knows personally, and those she serves professionally. I’ve depended on Shandia when I’m down and she’s always been there. If anyone deserves this honor, it’s her. She’s a counselor, a published author, an amazing daughter, sister, aunt and my friend. In these trying times, we need more people like her.
Ms. Booker,
Has a natural love for all youth. Ms. Booker instills pride, passion, and perseverance in all she does.
As an author of Brooklyn Love Yourself Ms. Booker's message, and words of healing promoted self esteem, and challenges one's critical thinking process.. Thank you for all you do.
Shandia Booker is an excellent nominee for life changer of the year! She is passionate and dedicated, not only the students she serves but their families and the community as a whole. Ms. Booker has a very creative mind and a loving heart! She thinks big and her creativity has lead to facilitating opportunities to bring the school, families and community together in ways that have not been done before. Ms. Booker speaks life into the students she serves and calls them to greatness! She is the definition of a life changer!
Congratulations. Great achievement
