Head of School Byron Lawson plans to establish a legacy of health and wellness on campus. Within his first two years, he addressed the vacancy of a school nurse among the faculty, consequently laying the framework for future physical and mental health endeavors.

When the Board of Trustees was searching for a new Head of School, they sought to adopt a wellness plan that would outline the areas that affect student health at a policy level and set the tone for health and wellness issues at Trinity. The Health and Wellness Committee was drafted to fulfill these intentions, and Chairwoman Julie Lowndes proposed that additional improvements should be made regarding wellness on campus. As a result, a seven month search process was conducted to hire Lydia Berry as Trinity’s first nurse in 49 years—which partially accounted for the rise in tuition in the 2016-2017 school year.

“To his credit, the Head of School put the nurse in the budget,” Lowndes said. “I think it is one of his major accomplishments within his first year. Everywhere you look, data supports that a school nurse helps academic performance. A school nurse helps reduce absenteeism. So by being healthier, by learning basic ways to take care of yourself and having a professional help, you will be better for everybody.”

Berry initially graduated from Troy University to pursue a career in journalism, but after having a change of heart and raising a family, Berry decided to switch to nursing. With her expertise and compassion, she hopes to improve the overall well being of the student body as Trinity’s first nurse.

“I chose nursing because I feel God gave me a genuine love and compassion for helping others,” Berry said. “Nursing can be challenging, but the feeling I get when I see a patient who has just been diagnosed with a terminal disease or a parent whose child is sick but somehow finds the strength to just simply smile through life’s adversities makes every difficult moment worth [it].”

Located in the middle school office’s newly created ‘sick bay,’ Berry plans to aid students and maintain a lively atmosphere on our school’s campus.

“I came from a public school where there were several restrictions to the amount of care I could deliver to the students,” Berry said. “I really love Trinity’s environment because I can cater to the needs of each student individually. At Trinity, I have more flexibility in getting to know the students and working with them to help them feel better. At a public school, however, each county had limitations regarding the amount of help I could provide before they visited a doctor.”

Berry hopes to become acquainted with the faculty and students over the course of the year. Thus far, she is working with Middle School Principal Jason Dowdy and Middle School Administrative Assistant Linda Rizzo, who assumed the duties of a nurse on campus before her arrival.

“It seems like [the] biggest reason students visit my office is for relief from headaches,” Berry said. “I really appreciate Ms. Rizzo’s guidance in helping me ease my way into the Trinity family. She has taught me how to handle certain situations and engage with the students to make sure they have the best care possible.”

Previously, Berry worked as a nurse in Orange County’s Health Department and Orlando Health’s Behavioral Unit before deciding to transition to working in schools. Berry prefers working at Trinity due to the flexibility of working from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The Behavior Health Unit Psych [was] definitely a unique experience,” Berry said. “I worked overnights for over a year before finally making a decision to work the day shift. I have three school-aged children ranging from ages 6 to 14 years old. Working overnights conflicted with their school schedule. I needed a stable position that would allow me to have the same schedule as my children. The simplicity of just being able to go to bed at night with my children was amazing . . . I would not trade that for anything.”

Since Trinity is partnered with the ReadyNurse firm, the student body will always have a substitute nurse at hand to assume the duties of our current school nurse. Although traditionally, school nurses keep communities from becoming sick by giving medication, there will be initiatives from the nursing office informing students on how to stay healthy during flu seasons. Berry plans not only on being a caretaker but a health and wellness maintainer.

“School nursing is not just about passing out Band-Aids or giving Tylenol,” Berry said. “It’s about making a difference in students’ lives. Anyone can pass out a bandage but what makes a difference is the spirit in which you give it in. Going the extra mile, saying ‘good morning,’ and sharing a smile can brighten a child’s day. That same student could be the next President and they will remember Ms. Berry, the school nurse who treated them with respect, dignity and always gave a smile.”