LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Colleen Larsen was nominated by her colleague, Jessical Coleman.

Nurse Larsen is a LifeChanger for the students, parents, and staff of Gautier Elementary School. She goes above and beyond the call of duty daily to secure resources and ensure that students are healthy and focused. She also secures community partnerships to ensure students have enough food to eat at home.

"Every student in our school, from our youngest students to our eldest 4th graders, knows and loves Nurse Larsen," Coleman said.

Nurse Larsen ceaselessly uses her personal resources to ensure at-risk students have snacks, clean clothes, shoes, holiday meals, and Christmas gifts. She personally delivers these items to their homes without ever telling anyone else. She is involved in all aspects of her school, so she can get to know every student personally. Nurse Larsen also works with parents to secure resources and accessibility to medical professionals, all while maintaining the utmost degree of confidentiality. She builds and maintains conducive relationships with families.

"It is so heart-warming to hear our Pre-K student ask 'Where is Auntie Nursie,' or to hear one of our students with a chronic illness come in to ask 'May I see my nurse for my snack,'" Coleman said. "The impact she has on our campus is immeasurable, and I, for one, cannot sing her praises enough. She is truly a LifeChanger, and I am forever indebted to her for her positive impact on our campus!"