Our new print issue features “Goodbye Summer, Hello School!” content about the end of the summer season and gearing up for back to school in our communities.
For that reason, we’ve decided to put a strong focus on our Community Spotlight category of “Education.” Schools are truly the backbone of so many communities. So without further ado, let’s shine a light on our teachers, administrators, support staff and parent volunteers who selflessly dedicate themselves to our kids!
Ms. Kristin Kelly was nominated by Helen Fort Principal Mr. Aaron Eyler. Here is what he had to say about this outstanding teacher!
Ms. Kristin Kelly is the school psychologist at Helen Fort Middle School and a cornerstone of the Child Study Team. With a caseload of nearly 50 students, Ms. Kelly brings deep psychological expertise, compassion, and unwavering organization to her work. She provides individualized counseling services, conducts thorough evaluations, and collaborates with teachers, families, and community partners to ensure students thrive academically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Her impact reaches beyond her assigned responsibilities—Ms. Kelly supports new teachers, participates in restorative practice initiatives, and serves on both the district and county crisis response teams. Her ability to connect with students and families alike makes her one of the most trusted and respected members of the school community.
Ms. Kelly’s contributions to HFMS are both exceptional and far-reaching. She balances technical excellence in psychological assessment with an authentic, student-centered approach that ensures every child feels supported and understood. She is a lifeline for students navigating trauma, mental health challenges, or major transitions, and she ensures no family walks alone through the complexities of special education. Her leadership in trauma-informed practices and her ability to maintain a calm, structured presence in moments of crisis are invaluable. Highlighting Ms. Kelly means spotlighting someone who quietly shapes the heartbeat of the school—supporting growth, equity, and care at every turn.
“Ms. Kelly is the kind of professional every school dreams of—deeply knowledgeable, calm in a storm, and wholly devoted to student well-being. Her expertise and quiet strength make her indispensable to our team and the entire Helen Fort community,” said Ms. Christine Hale, Director of Special Education.
Community Spotlights
If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].
Right now we’re focusing on our South Jersey Educators category, which we’ll continue to run now and through the beginning of fall. So if you know someone who deserves a special shout-out, get in touch!
We’re also always looking for nominees in the following categories:
First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military
Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers
Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers
Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff
Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery