District Selects School Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year

District Selects School Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year
Posted on 06/05/2023
District Selects School Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year

When students at Colonial Elementary School in Fort Myers are having a rough day or need help for things outside of the classroom, they have two of the best people in the School District to turn to. Their counselor, Lindsey Dwyer, is the 2023 School Counselor of the Year and their mental health professional Deborah Housely is the District’s Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year.

“This is a great honor and I really appreciate it,” Dwyer said just after being surprised with her award. “My favorite part of the job is community outreach. I love anything to do with community outreach and getting what our students need at school and for their families.”

Dwyer provides direct services and counseling to her students, particularly during times of transition, separation and heightened stress. She was nominated by the administrators for her commitment to her students. They wrote in their nomination form, “Post hurricane Lindsey was an asset to our students by fostering parent and community partnerships so students' basic needs were met so they were able to focus on increasing their highest personal potential at school.”

Housely is the District’s first Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year award winner. She works collaboratively with the mental health team with at-risk students to make sure their needs are met.

“Students look forward to when Debbie is on our campus.” School administrators wrote in their nomination. “One student in particular waits in anticipation to eat lunch with her on Thursdays so she can tell her about all her successes for the week. Debbie has impacted our school by maintaining positive communication with stakeholders and supporting our school community during a time of crisis.”

“It is my pleasure to do this job and this is a very special school so thank you,” Housely said after being surprised with her award.

Both Dwyer and Housely will be recognized for the Lee County School Board for their awards at a future meeting.