Health & Education Alliance of Louisiana

June is Child Vision Awareness Month! 👀

HEAL encourages comprehensive eye exams in addition to school screenings.

Many children are unaware they have a vision problem because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. Healthy vision is essential to a child's success - both in and out of the classroom. This is the reason why early detection can be critical in the prevention of long-term challenges.

Identifying vision challenges early helps children learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Today, we recognize Sera Daigle at Iberville Parish Schools for her dedication to student growth and innovation in speech therapy.

By developing programs that extend learning beyond the school year and fostering an environment where students feel engaged and empowered, Sera helps make communication both meaningful and enjoyable. Her collaborative approach and use of innovative techniques continue to make a lasting impact.

As we continue celebrating the incredible work of speech & language therapy professionals, we are grateful for all individuals like Sera who inspire growth, confidence, and connection every day. Thank you!! 👏🎉

Today, as we continue to celebrate Nurses Week, we recognize Nurse Brown for the care and dedication provided while serving students at Academy of Collaborative Education (ACE) in Monroe!

In a setting where students often have complex health needs, Nurse Brown plays a vital role in ensuring support, safety, and consistency across the school. Her steady presence and responsiveness make a meaningful difference for both students and staff.

Thank you, Nurse Brown, for the important work you do every day!👏

Please join us in recognizing Nurse Adam for the dedication and impact he brings each day!

From supporting health screenings to partnering across teams and providing CPR instruction, Adam plays an essential role in keeping EQA’s community safe and informed. His flexibility, professionalism, and consistent commitment over the years have made a meaningful difference.

Thank you, Adam, for the vital work you do to support those you serve!👏

Happy Nurses Week!!

The start of Nurses Week also marks National School Nurses Day. Nurses use their medical expertise, compassion, and sound judgment to help their patients feel at ease and to improve their overall well-being.

Nurses are an essential part of healthcare, and we are extremely grateful for their contributions. We want to thank all nurses for their dedication and impact they have on the lives they serve.

While Occupational Therapy Month may be ending, our appreciation for occupational therapy practitioners continues well beyond the month of April. Thank you for the important work you do to support participation, independence, and quality of life.

Today is the day to take time to thank the countless individuals who have the great privilege and responsibility of ensuring students arrive to school and back home safely every day.

We recognize all school bus drivers for their dedication to the safety of the students in their care. Thank You!!👏

Our next recognition for Occupational Therapy Month goes to Dawn Sonnier!

Dawn is an occupational therapist serving St. James Parish Schools and was recently elected as Director of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Dawn has embraced the philosophy of Carpe Diem—using every opportunity, no matter the setting, to make a meaningful difference, often through advocacy.

As an occupational therapist, Dawn believes her role extends beyond identifying needs to advocating for meaningful change that improves access and outcomes for students and families. Her advocacy has taken many forms, from supporting families in navigating services, to implementing interdisciplinary teams, to advocating for policy change at both the Louisiana Legislature and in Washington, D.C.

Through it all, Dawn’s goal remains the same and that is to lead through service. She embraces a servant‑leadership approach by empowering her fellow occupational therapy practitioners to grow in their skills, confidence, and comfort with advocacy.

Thank you, Dawn, for your leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of the people you serve!👏🎉

Please join us in recognizing Paige McKoin as we celebrate Occupational Therapy Month.

Paige has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) for 35 years and currently works at the Academy of Collaborative Education (ACE) in Monroe, Louisiana, where she supports children with autism each day. During her career journey, Paige took a leap of faith by changing settings from geriatrics to pediatrics. Ultimately, she accepted an opportunity to work in a school setting—and immediately fell in love.

Paige says the greatest reward has been learning to love, support, and serve children with special needs while celebrating even the smallest victories along the way. “Even tiny increments of advancement with a child lets me know that what I do matters—and that I’m doing what I was meant to do!”

Thank you, Paige, for making a difference—one small victory at a time!👏🎉