Cathi Woolley, school nurse serving North Bend Elementary and Snoqualmie Middle Schools, was recently named School Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes.

A nurse for nearly 30 years, Woolley was nominated for the honor by Snoqualmie Middle School Principal Vernie Newell, and counselor Heather Kern. Their nomination praised her professionalism, and her willingness to work in consultation with families to assist students when health issues seem to affect their overall education.

“We have the highest regard for Mrs. Woolley,” the nomination concluded.

Woolley took some time out of her winter break to talk about herself in the following Q&A format.

Q: What’s your background?

I am originally form the east coast, but have lived in the greater Puget Sound area since 1980. We have lived in the Snoqualmie Valley since 1995. I have a BSN from Seattle University, graduated 1985, cum laude. I do have an ESA certificate. I do not have any other degrees.

I have worked in nursing since 1983. My first job was as a nursing student with Swedish Hospital. Upon graduating college, I was hired as an RN and continued working for Swedish until 1994. I then stayed home to care for my family.

I was started working for the Snoqualmie Valley School District in 2007 and was hired as a school nurse in 2008. I’ve been married for almost 25 years, and we have two children, Emily, a 2009 Mount Si High School graduate and valedictorian, and Brian, a junior at Mount Si.

Q: What drew you to working as a school nurse?

I have always enjoyed working with children. They are just fun and uplifting to be around. The work schedule complements my family. The calendars are the same and the hours are similar.

Q: What is the hardest part of your job?

Watching a student struggle with issues, that they really shouldn’t even have to deal with. These are most often outside of the school’s or staff’s control. Sometimes the issues they have to face are adult-like in nature and often beyond their control. We do the very best we can to support them. Always.

Q: What part of your job do you like the best?

The students, definitely the students. And the staff at both my schools are awesome.

Q: Do you have a nursing philosophy?

Not really, I just realize that each student I work with is someone’s child. There is nothing more precious to a parent than their child.

Learn more about the March of Dimes at http://www.marchofdimes.com/