Written by: Dr. Valencia Hildreth, APS Health Services Director
Across the state of Georgia, dedicated school nurses are honored through the 2026 School Nurse Proclamation signed by our governor, recognizing their invaluable contributions to student health and well-being.
National School Nurses Day, which is recognized on May 6, is a time to honor the dedicated healthcare professionals who show up every day to keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. APS school nurses are creators of “warm, open, and caring” spaces where students feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves.
They are advocates, educators, and mentors who go far beyond the clinic, conducting health workshops, coaching students on healthy habits, and building lasting trust with families and staff.
Many speak of the deep privilege of giving back to the very school communities that shaped their own lives, and of the joy that comes from knowing students “greatly rely on them” each day. Whether offering a hug, a sticker, or a listening ear, our nurses remind us that caring for a child is truly meaningful work, and today, we say thank you.
As a nurse and nursing leader, I am proud to represent Atlanta Public Schools and our awesome APS school nurses. We are called to serve with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Notes from our School Nurses:
Roshel Kersey:
“I love being an APS school nurse because I have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day by supporting both students and staff. Educating students and being an active advocate for their health and well-being is truly fulfilling and reminds me why this work matters so much.”
Ashleigh Pyant
“My school, Jackson Elementary, is very active in different engagement activities for the students. We had a “Fancy Dress Up” day during Literacy week. We read different books to match the topic of the day. I enjoy getting out of the clinic and engaging with the students in reading and doing healthcare workshops that I created throughout the year.”
Cozette Brown
“I love being an APS school nurse because I have the privilege of caring for the children in our school community each day. My office is more than just a clinic; it’s a safe, welcoming space where students feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves while receiving the care they deserve. Building trust with my students and their families is what makes this work so meaningful to me. My administration has given me, and I am deeply honored to have received the 2025–2026 Partnership Recognition Award for collaborating with community-based organizations to help meet the needs of our scholars and families.”
Jewell Kelly:
“I love sharing my knowledge!”
Nadia Lewis:
“I love teaching my cheer team healthy eating habits and how being physically fit is healthy. Aside from school nursing I am also our school’s cheer coach ,so it is nice to incorporate both!”
Lori Oxman:
“I graduated from nursing school 40 years ago! The second part of my career has been as a school nurse. The most rewarding part of school nursing for me is the relationship building with students, parents, school staff and the amazing nurses I get to work with each day! Thank you to all the APS nurses for your dedication and collaboration!”
Christina Spurlock:
“The nurse is the healer of all kids! Hugs, band-aids, stickers, and snacks are all they want! I’m the nurse with the most!”
Wanda Taylor:
“I enjoy helping a child when in need, and also being what they need when they need it.”
Eugenia Gardner:
“Grateful to serve children and staff at APS for 26 years.”
Kimberly Burdette
“Children are the heartbeat of the world! For me, creating a warm, open, and caring space for our scholars, allows them the opportunity to embrace the sense of security they deserve! It is a blessing that I am able to add to their life’s journey.”
Narci Ikpainyang
“I enjoy being a school nurse because our students greatly rely on us. Also, it allows me to give back to the school system that played a key role in achieving the most important moments in my life.”
Danell Harris
“It gives me a joyful feeling bringing a hurting tear into a bright smile. “