Laurie Tanner

For Laurie Tanner, becoming a nurse was a natural choice — one inspired by the example set at home.

“I decided to go into nursing after watching my mother,” Tanner said. “She is an outstanding nurse and watching her inspired me to go into the same profession.’

That early inspiration deepened during her clinical rotations in nursing school, when a professor helped her realize her unique ability to connect with children.

“During my clinical rotations in nursing school, my nursing instructor noted that my ability to work with children in all types of environments and under all kinds of conditions was very unique and required a specific personality and social presence that not everyone possesses,” she said. “It was then that I realized how much I enjoyed working with children and found myself looking for nursing work in areas that had the most amount of children to care for. The school setting was definitely an area of nursing that allowed me to work with and care for a lot of children with all kinds of needs.”

Since joining Jamestown Public Schools over a decade ago, Tanner said she has appreciated the flexibility and encouragement she’s received. She spent 15 years at Washington Middle School before serving as a traveling nurse across the district last school year. Her recent transition to Lincoln Elementary School has brought new energy and connection.

“I have loved the flexibility and support I have received from the district since starting here,” she said. “And my transition to Lincoln Elementary School has been so exciting! The Lincoln staff is amazing. They have been so kind, understanding, welcoming and patient with me.

Tanner said the thing she enjoys most about being part of the Lincoln community is “participating in all of the wonderful, fun things that they do for both the students and the staff. The positive energy is contagious!”

“Mrs. Tanner has been a phenomenal addition to the Lincoln staff,” said Principal Katie Russo. “Her energy and positivity helps to build trusting relationships with staff, students and their families. Keeping kids healthy is no easy task and Laurie goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is at their best and ready to learn.”

For Tanner, the heart of her work remains the same: supporting students and families so they can succeed.

“It is extremely rewarding to work with JPS students and families,” she said. “The ability to help students and families navigate through the educational process, gain confidence and succeed is the greatest reward!”