MHLA Awards 25-26 Winner
Olivia Rutledge
School Counselor, SEL Lead

School
Lake Ridge Elementary
Years in education
9
“Being recognized for my work in mental health leadership is an honor that reflects the dedication and care poured into supporting the well-being of others. It reminds me that creating safe, compassionate spaces can truly make a difference, and it inspires my community to continue prioritizing mental health as a vital part of growth and success.”
Olivia Rutledge is the school counselor at Lake Ridge Elementary and co-leads SEL across Cedar Hill ISD. She partners closely with district teams to support SEL implementation, creates programming for students with disabilities, and helps lead restorative practices across campuses. Olivia’s work blends care, consistency, and responsiveness to school needs.