LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Denise Flores was nominated by her colleague, Carolyn Coulson.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Denise Flores professionally for the past few years," said Coulson. "She is a leader in the Rhode Island school nurse community. Her commitment and dedication to her profession are admirable."

Ms. Flores is the lead nurse for her district in Barrington, RI. She's an elementary school nurse who has won the School Nurse Teacher of the year in Rhode Island. She also serves on the National Board of School Nurses Association. As a lead nurse and leader, she has had the job of pulling together other nurse leaders in the state to find ways to support each other in these very trying times with COVID testing, education, and the day to day challenges.

"Denise is a person who I personally to turn with questions around a myriad of topics, such as writing quality protocols for student conditions, dealing with overwhelming burdens placed on school nurses in the era of COVID, and getting quality health care options to underserved families and populations," explained Couson. "Despite challenges personally and professionally, Denise is always available to chat, help or give guidance. We are extremely lucky to have a school nurse teacher of this caliber who embraces and expands us professionally. Thank you, Denise. I know it is not always easy, but what you do is irreplaceable to us!"