LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gabriel Drown was nominated by his supervisor, Angela Fagginger-Auer.

Mr. Drown has worked for Ch.O.I.C.E. Academy for 3 1/2 years as a behavioral interventionist. Ch.O.I.C.E. Academy is an alternative day treatment school that serves children ages 10-22 who need extra support accessing their education and require the acquisition of various skills so they can be successful in public school, should they choose to return.

During Mr. Drown's time at the Academy, he has worked tirelessly to come up with inventive ideas to support students in working through difficult times. He has an ability to meet the students where they are at and provide them with a calm, safe place to work through emotions and engage in their academics.

One year ago, Mr. Drown assumed the position of the lead behavioral interventionist. In this position, he's not only required to think about students' needs, but serve as a role model and leader for the other interventionist staff. Mr. Drown is required to think on his feet, shuffle people around due to outages or escalations, and offer support and guidance to the staff when they are struggling to know how to work with a particular kid or group of kids. 

Here are just a few things the staff have had to say about Mr. Drown and the work that he does: 

"Gabe, you are hardworking, put others’ needs before your own, and are an incredibly conscientious person. The way you work with the kids individually is beautiful to watch, and I am glad to be a part of your team." 

"Gabe is a superstar. He's always doing his best to make Ch.O.I.C.E. a great place to be for staff and students. It is clear he cares a lot about our students and has great connections with all of them. He is empathetic, dedicated, and kind, and I'm glad to have him on our team."

"Gabe, you are awesome at supporting everyone. Your expectations are given clearly and consistently. Thank you for all you do – all with a great sense of humor and calmness."

"Gabe is a rock star! He does so much for everyone and does it with calmness and ease. While I’m sure he is stressed at times, he always has a cool, calm, collected way about him. Thanks for all you do!"

"Gabe is a kind, empathetic, reliable, honest, and supportive leader who is always willing to lend a hand. He is able to work collaboratively with the administration, teachers, and other interventionist staff to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. The middle school community would not be what it is without Gabe's presence," said Fagginger-Auer.