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Five registered nurses work largely behind the scenes to support the health and safety of students throughout Fairfax County Public Schools.
School health specialists Cheryl Montgomery, Carissa Morris, Kristin Shiraishi, Anna Wendland and Anne Winters assist schools, employees, students and families across the division. Their work was highlighted ahead of National School Nurse Day on Wednesday, May 7.
Public health nurses oversee daily care in school health rooms, while the specialists provide broader support for health programs. They communicate divisionwide requirements, policies and protocols and work with families, school employees and the Fairfax County Health Department on first aid, immunizations, medications, communicable diseases and student health conditions.
The specialists also play a major role in immunization clinics and collaborate with other FCPS departments on plans for student health needs, emergencies and other concerns.
Drawn to caring for children
Anne Winters, the school health specialist for Region 5, enjoyed volunteering at her sons’ elementary school before becoming a nurse in a school setting. She said the experience left her feeling hopeful and energized.
Winters values working closely with FCPS employees, parents and the county Health Department. Hearing that her guidance helped a family or school employee is among the most rewarding parts of her job.
“If I can make a positive difference, no matter how big or small, it’s a good day,” she said.
Winters wanted to work with children from an early age. While hospitalized as a teenager, she saw a nurse comforting an infant during the night. The display of care and compassion made a lasting impression and influenced her decision to enter nursing.
Carissa Morris also found inspiration early in life. She worked as a mother’s helper for a family whose child had special needs, an experience that encouraged her to become a nurse. Years later, volunteering in her children’s school clinic prompted her to apply when a part-time position became available.
Student medical needs continue to evolve
Cheryl Montgomery, the specialist for Region 4, spent 13 years working in primary-care pediatrics before joining FCPS. Her experience and interest in helping children made school nursing a natural transition while giving her opportunities to develop professionally.
Montgomery said school nurses are essential to students’ health, well-being and academic success. Their responsibilities extend far beyond first aid: They care for sick and injured students, administer medications and treatments, conduct screenings and help students manage chronic health conditions.
Kristin Shiraishi, who serves regions 3 and 6, said the job continues to change as medical technology advances and more students arrive at school with varied medical needs, backgrounds and levels of access to health care. Those shifts have made having medical professionals available in schools increasingly important.
Morris has also observed growing demand for nursing support among students. She said nurses assess students, recognize critical needs and deliver care that can help them return to class safely and successfully.
Shiraishi was inspired by three aunts who worked as nurses and began her own career in pediatric nursing. A teacher friend later helped guide her toward working in schools.
She said promoting public health within school communities is especially rewarding when done alongside a team committed to keeping students healthy and safe.