LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Violeta Cantu ws nominated by her principal, Gisela Salinas Ramirez.

"Mrs. Violeta Cantu is the heart of Carman Elementary," said Salinas Ramirez. "The last two and a half years have been extremely challenging for our students and staff. Many lost family members, while others experienced the devastation and havoc that COVID causes on the body. As we commenced the new school year with 'normal' expectations, Mrs. Cantu gave so much of herself to ensure that our students, parents, and staff members had the social and emotional support necessary to try and get back to our pre-covid selves."

As a school counselor, Mrs. Cantu provides weekly classes for students focusing on positive behavior, self–respect, anti-bullying, self-care, etc. She also works with small groups and individual students to focus on their personal challenges and struggles. With over twenty years of experience in the education field, she has built strong relationships with our students, parents, and community members. Students always know they can count on Mrs. Cantu when they feel sad, upset, lost, or need someone to talk to.

"I am always amazed at her ability to de-escalate situations and how she gets the students to open up and trust her completely," said Salinas Ramirez.

As a school counselor, Mrs. Cantu's primary responsibility is working with students, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty by working with parents and staff members. Through her years at Carman, she has developed relationships with parents that are built on trust and open communication. Parents feel comfortable talking to her about situations at home; they know she will help their children without judgment. Teachers and staff also experienced many emotional hardships due to COVID. Mrs. Cantu was aware of this and developed different activities that allowed teachers to express their concerns, fears, and stress. Not only did she provide a safe space for staff, but she also did these self-care activities for district school administrators and counselors.

"I can go on and on about all the extraordinary things that Mrs. Cantu has done to support our students, staff, and school community through this pandemic," said Salinas Ramirez. "Mrs. Cantu gives so much of herself for us and always with a caring and giving heart. On those difficult days when everything seems to go wrong, she encourages and helps us find the light. Her passion for counseling and helping others is evident in all she does. Mrs. Cantu does all of this without expecting anything in return. I believe Mrs. Cantu should be the LifeChanger of the Year because she changes lives through her work every day, making our world a better, more beautiful place."