Hello all! My name is Sam LaPres and I am now our Director of Mental Health and Culture. I have been in education for over 13 years, starting as a teacher in New Orleans and then moving back to Denver to be the social worker at MTV HS before transitioning to the Home Office four years ago.

I was the recipient of the Integrity Core Value Award. Honestly, I truly believe that this recognition is really for the amazing team of mental health and culture leaders in our schools doing incredible work day in and day out with our students and families. Each person really embodies the deep belief that we do what's right for each and every one of our kids and their families, especially when doing what is right is hard.

Our mental health and culture leaders provide amazing tiered support for all students' social, emotional and behavioral wellness so our students can reach their full academic and personal potential. They also often work most closely with our students and families who need a champion at school. Someone who will walk alongside them and their families with unconditional support and a deep belief in their potential, and who demonstrate this belief by providing high levels of support and high levels of accountability. Our families are the experts of their students, and we are a part of a needed village in raising children. As school teams, we know we are only part of the village and that we must collaborate with community organizations to also be apart of that village.

That is why I have chosen to donate to our partner, Servicios De La Raza, which is an organization focused on providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed services and opportunities to the Colorado Latino community. We are grateful to have this organization in our community and to learn from and work with them in support of our students and our families.