Position: Director of Health Services
School: Jefferson Parish School Board
School District: Jefferson Parish School Board
City, State: Harvey, LA
Music that Describes Daphne
Daphne Walker was nominated by her colleague, Stacey Chalin.
Ms. Walker has worked with children since she became a nurse in 1994. She has been a devoted school nurse for over 20 years. She's currently the director of health services for Jefferson Parish Schools, the largest school system in Louisiana. Ms. Walker is responsible for the health and safety of 7,000+ staff members and 50,000+ students in 75 schools. She also supervises 60+ school nurses.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, her demanding and stressful job has become even more challenging. Ms. Walker always maintains a positive attitude and never complains. She is a good listener who welcomes feedback and maintains an "open door" policy. She has high expectations of her nurses and inspires them to provide excellent care and become leaders. Ms. Walker also serves as the secretary of LSNO, the professional organization for school nurses in Louisiana. The health and safety of her staff and students is always her number one priority.
"I feel blessed to work as her nurse coordinator," said Chalin.