Chanel McDaniel is a school nurse serving students in Buffalo, NY, who represents everything Supplemental Health Care believes in. She provides exceptional care and consistently goes above and beyond in her role to create miraculous moments for students.
Since joining SHC five years ago, Chanel has become an essential part of her local community. As a busy nurse in the school clinic, she works directly with students, supporting their healthcare needs and helping them feel seen, heard, and cared for every day.
But what truly sets her apart? Chanel goes beyond the job duties of a school nurse and takes the time to truly support the students and families who need her most during their most trying times.
Chanel has been working as a nurse for around 12 years, with her passion for caring for others starting early. “As a child, my mother says that I’d run around taking care of people when they didn’t feel well. I was fearless and empathetic. I took a personality test in high school, and the results said I should get into nursing or social work. I chose nursing! It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far.”
Since working with SHC, she has become an integral, trusted part of the local school community. Always thinking about her students’ circumstances, she has created a “Community Room,” sometimes affectionately dubbed the “kiddie closet,” where she has used her own money to provide children with clothes and other items they may need.
Chanel was nominated for the Care More Spotlight award by Molly, an SHC staffing director. Molly says, “Chanel is always thinking about her students and ways she can help. She noticed many students at her school could use a little extra support with things like coats, clothes, and other items they might not have easy access to at home.”
“Recently, a student in her school’s family was a victim of a house fire that took their entire home. Chanel was able to use donations from other staff, as well as her Community Room, to get the students the things they needed that they lost in the fire. We’ve gotten wonderful feedback from her work in her clinic, as well as how she goes above and beyond. Chanel is very deserving of extra kudos.”
The staff at Chanel’s school has also reached out to share their appreciation for the care and attention Chanel brings to her role. “She uses the money that she earns from multiple jobs to buy clothing for children who don’t have them. She’s set up an entire community room without anyone asking and is always kind to every child and every staff member who walks in. She never makes the children feel uncomfortable for coming to seek help.”
Helping others is just a part of who Chanel is. “It’s rewarding,” she says. “I get to give endlessly and help people be the best versions of themselves.”
“My school Student Support Team (SST) and I put together a kiddie closet for students in need of clothes and hygiene products,” Chanel explains. And to make it more affordable, they hold fundraisers to purchase supplies and buy bulk items.
Chanel says that it’s working with a supportive team that is one of the most valuable things to her. “I enjoy working in an environment where I can advocate, help, encourage, and be a part of a team that truly cares for the community. My schedule is a great perk because we have optional summers off, of course!”
Through her strong compassion for others, her dedication to her role, and the intention and willingness to go above and beyond, Chanel continues to make a difference in the lives of those she serves. Supplemental Health Care is proud to recognize her as this month’s Care More Spotlight recipient.
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