LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Linda Bartmess was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Bartmess is no stranger to life's turning points. Like many of us, she has faced defining moments that reshaped her path, but what sets her apart is the courage and purpose with which she navigated them. In midlife, she boldly decided to change careers, returning to school to earn her Master's in School Counseling. Motivated to turn her personal experiences into meaningful support for others, Ms. Bartmess found her true calling in helping students and families thrive.

For the past 14 years, Ms. Bartmess has served with passion and heart, profoundly impacting the lives of those she touches. She drives an hour each weekday to Whitwell Middle School, rarely missing a day. When asked why she chooses such a long commute, her response is as sincere as it is telling: "Because I love my job and the school." Her dedication is unwavering, and her love for her work shines through in everything she does.

To Ms. Bartmess, school counseling is more than a job; it is a calling to be a helper in every sense of the word. She does not limit herself by title or job description. Whether purchasing clothing for students in need, chaperoning school trips, writing college recommendation letters, washing clothes for families, transporting students, or arranging doctor's appointments, Ms. Bartmess does whatever is necessary to ensure that her students are safe, healthy, and cared for. Her actions speak louder than words, demonstrating her deep commitment to the well-being of every child she serves. Her commitment doesn't end when students graduate from middle to high school. She continually supports and advocates for students with the same heartfelt dedication.

For Ms. Bartmess, it has never been about the building; it has always been about the people within it. A recent example of her extraordinary dedication occurred when a former student expressed interest in attending a military academy. Ms. Bartmess worked tirelessly to write a compelling recommendation and was overjoyed when the student was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy for the fall of 2025. Never one to stop at the good news, Ms. Bartmess went a step further by contacting local media outlets to celebrate and encourage the student, ensuring she felt the full support of her community behind her.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Linda Bartmess for many years. I clearly remember when she asked me what being a school counselor was like, and soon after, she made the brave decision to pursue this path," said the nominator. "As a single mother of twin school-aged boys, she entered graduate school with determination and eventually became my counseling intern. I witnessed firsthand her natural gift for this work—her warmth, compassion, and authenticity draw people in. Her kind and caring nature and her deep belief in every person's potential make her a remarkable counselor and an inspiration to everyone around her. Not only do I see the excellence in Linda, but her principal consistently recognizes it, giving her the highest evaluations possible year after year. This professional affirmation only reinforces what so many already know: Linda Bartmess goes above and beyond in all that she does. If anyone is deserving of recognition, it is Linda Bartmess. She is truly one of a kind—an exceptional counselor, a tireless advocate, and a radiant source of hope for so many."