UT Charter School System recently introduced the Whole Child Champion Award to celebrate educators who embody trauma‑informed practices and create learning environments where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.
The award was initiated by School Social Work Coordinator Andrea Menchaca, LMSW, who saw a need to honor teachers who go above and beyond in meeting the holistic needs of their students.
“I started the Whole Child Champion Award to recognize and celebrate the educators across our districts who consistently create safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive classroom environments,” Menchaca shared. District and campus leaders enthusiastically embraced the idea.
Superintendent Nicole Whetstone explained, “At UT Elementary and across the UT Charter School System, we believe that meaningful learning can only take place when students feel safe, connected, and supported. Our educators embrace research-backed practices, invest in strong relationships, and commit to seeing each child as a whole human being.”
A Districtwide Commitment
The UT Charter School System’s dedication to trauma‑informed education begins with leadership. Administrators have prioritized professional learning and ongoing support that empower teachers to create classrooms centered on emotional safety.
This commitment is grounded in the Neurosequential Model of Education™ (NME)—an evidence-based framework that equips educators with strategies for supporting all learners, especially those who have experienced trauma.
Through NME, schools apply the Six R’s: Relevant, Rhythmic, Repetitive, Relational, Rewarding, and Respectful to support an environment where students feel connected, capable and ready to learn.
Honoring Five Champions
Last fall, five teachers were honored with Whole Child Champion Awards
- Norma Robinson, UT Elementary – “Norma teaches with intentionality and heart—guiding her young learners to set meaningful goals and take pride in their progress. Through hands-on activities and reflective conversations, Ms. Robinson empowers her students to see themselves as capable learners from an early age.”
- Leisa Patterson, Methodist Children’s Home – “Leisa consistently models the Six R’s—especially being relational, rewarding, and respectful—in her daily work. She builds strong relationships and maintains a positive, student‑centered approach. Her support extends beyond the classroom; she regularly attends football games, showing students she cares about their lives outside of school.”
Superintendent Nicole Whetstone with award winner Leisa Patterson and MCH Principal Raul Kastner - Terri Gonzalez, High Point – “Terri consistently established a warm, nurturing learning environment that allows students to thrive despite their circumstances. She maintains a classroom that fosters belonging where students feel seen and heard, free of judgement, by modeling self-awareness, empathy, and encouraging appropriate coping skills.”
- Brittany Lopez-Hill, High Point – “Brittany uses therapeutic music throughout the day—adjusting tone, rhythm, and energy—to help students stay focused. She dedicates her personal time using her own Canva account to create presentations, worksheets, and classroom décor that transform a sterile mental health facility into a vibrant, supportive learning environment.”
- Jennifer Erkie, Cedar Crest Hospital – Jennifer, who has been with UT Charter Schools for over 20 years, centers every interaction around student needs. “When a student is having a tough time managing their emotions, she doesn’t just step in to correct the behavior—she takes the time to understand what’s really going on, helps the student feel heard, and walks them through ways to get back on track.”
A Celebration and a Commitment
“For our districts, the Whole Child Champion represents both celebration and commitment,” Menchaca explains. “It shines a light on the people modeling what we want our schools to look like and reinforces that trauma-informed care, emotional safety, and belonging are core to student success.”
Through this award, the UT Charter School System honors educators who demonstrate every day that when we nurture the whole child, learning thrives.