“I am humbled to be recognized for my work in mental health leadership, and I share this honor with the supportive team and community who make it possible. This award highlights the importance of creating supportive spaces where mental health is valued and prioritized. It not only affirms the impact of our efforts but also inspires me to continue this important work.”

Denise Mueller is an elementary school counselor in Hazelwood School District, Missouri’s largest district in the St. Louis area. She delivers monthly Tier 1 lessons aligned to the new Missouri SEL standards and plays a key role in Tier 2 and 3 student supports, from IEP meetings to behavioral planning. Denise created the “Newcomers Club,” a four-week group that helps new students build relationships and navigate their new school, complete with family engagement and progress monitoring. Beyond her own building, she collaborates with a 26-member counseling team to align practices across campuses. Whether piloting quick SEL push-ins or planning classroom-based groups, Denise blends clinical insight with scalable strategies—building a more connected, emotionally supportive school community for every student.