2026 Marjorie Cole Lifetime Achievement Award

Angie Anderson, BSN, RN, NCSN 

This year’s recipient, Angie Anderson, exemplifies these qualities through more than two decades of commitment to improving student health and supporting school nurses across our state. Throughout her career, Angie has served in many roles — as a school nurse, a health services coordinator, a director of school nurse supervision and support, and a trusted leader within professional organizations — always with the goal of ensuring that every child has access to safe, high-quality health care at school.

One of Angie’s most impactful contributions has been her leadership in developing and expanding programs that provide guidance, supervision, and resources to school health staff, particularly in small and rural districts. Through this work, she has helped ensure that students who might otherwise have limited access to health services still have the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Angie is known for her servant leadership, her willingness to mentor others, and her ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges. She has strengthened school nursing not only through her knowledge, but through her belief in the importance of supporting one another as professionals and as advocates for children.

Because of her lifelong dedication, her vision, and her lasting impact on school health in Missouri, we are honored to present the Marjorie Cole Lifetime Achievement Award to Angie Anderson.

2026 Friend of School Nursing

Dr. Deepa Mokshagundam, MD, Kaitlyn Forsythe, BSN, RN, CPN

& Grace Presley, BSN, RN

This year, we are proud to honor the Missouri Project ADAM Team — Dr. Deepa Mokshagundam, Grace Presley, and Kaitlyn Forsythe — for their outstanding support of school nurses across our state. Through their leadership in Project ADAM, a national initiative focused on preventing sudden cardiac death in youth, this team has worked side-by-side with school nurses to improve emergency preparedness, provide education, and help schools become designated Heart Safe Schools.

Their dedication has given school nurses the tools, training, and confidence needed to respond to life-threatening situations and to protect the health and safety of students every day. More importantly, they have built strong relationships with school health professionals, always showing respect for the role of the school nurse as a critical link in the lifelong health of every child.

Because of their collaboration, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to student safety, the Missouri Project ADAM Team truly embodies the spirit of the Friend of School Nursing Award.

2026 School Nurse Administrator of the Year

Amberlee Miller, BSN, RN, NCSN

Carl Junction Schools

This year’s recipient, Amberlee Miller, is an exceptional example of that leadership. With nearly two decades in school health, Amberlee has dedicated her career to ensuring that students receive safe, high-quality care while also supporting the nurses who provide that care each day. As Lead Nurse for Carl Junction Schools, she oversees health services for more than 4,000 students while continuing to provide direct care to early childhood students, modeling the belief that strong leadership begins with service.

Amberlee is known for building partnerships that expand access to care, strengthen mental health supports, and promote wellness for both students and staff. Her work reflects a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that school nurses remain an essential link in the lifelong health of Missouri’s children.

Her leadership also extends beyond her district. Amberlee has served in multiple roles within the Missouri Association of School Nurses, and she actively contributes to statewide and national initiatives that advance school nursing practice. She is also a Johnson & Johnson School Nurse Leadership Fellow and a frequent presenter on topics such as chronic disease management, mental health care planning, and trauma-informed school health.

Each year, our selected School Nurse Administrator of the Year goes on to represent Missouri at the National level. Because of her dedication, vision, and commitment to the health and well-being of Missouri’s children, we are proud to recognize Amberlee Miller as this year’s School Nurse Administrator of the Year.

2026 Outstanding Service of LPN

Krista Helms, LPN

Crocker R-II

This year’s recipient, Krista Helms, is described by her colleagues as an essential part of her campus and a steady, trusted presence for students and staff alike. She provides care to learners of all ages, from the youngest students to graduating seniors, always with professionalism, skill, and genuine compassion.

Krista’s influence extends far beyond the health office. She serves on committees, contributes to district health initiatives, and offers valuable insight that helps shape school policies and safety practices. Her calm approach during emergencies, her willingness to step into leadership roles, and her commitment to supporting both students and staff demonstrate what it truly means to be a vital link in lifelong health.

Those who work with Krista describe her as someone who brings reassurance, kindness, and strength to every situation. Her students trust her, her colleagues rely on her, and her school community is stronger because of her dedication.

For her outstanding service, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, we are proud to recognize Krista Helms with the Outstanding Service of an LPN Award.

2026 MASN Rising Star

Hailey Slagle, BSN, RN

Affton School District

This year’s recipient, Hailey Slagle, has done exactly that. Even in her first years as a school nurse, Hailey has demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and leadership well beyond what is expected. Serving more than 500 primary students, she has strengthened health procedures, improved immunization compliance, and worked closely with staff and families to ensure that every child has access to the care they need to be safe and successful in school.

Hailey approaches her role with a proactive mindset, looking for ways to improve systems rather than simply maintain them. From analyzing injury patterns to collaborating with attendance teams and community partners, she understands that school nurses are a vital link connecting health, learning, and student success.

Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, dependable, and deeply committed to doing what is best for children. Even while balancing the demands of a new career and a growing family, she continues to show enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong desire to grow in the profession.

Because of her dedication and her bright future in school nursing, we are proud to recognize Hailey Slagle as this year’s Rising Star.

2026 Outstanding Service of an RN

Christian Bertel, BSN, RN, NCSN

Hazelwood

This year’s recipient, Christian Bertel, exemplifies this level of service through her leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advancing school health across Missouri. As Lead School Nurse for the Hazelwood School District, Christian is known for bringing people together to create solutions that support both students and the nurses who care for them.

At the state level, Christian played a key role in developing a Model School Health Services Policy and Procedure framework for Missouri school districts. This work has provided school nurses with practical, evidence-based guidance that strengthens daily practice, supports safe care, and promotes consistency across programs. Through this effort, she has helped ensure that school nurses remain a strong and reliable link in the lifelong health of the children we serve.

Christian is also known as a mentor, collaborator, and advocate who freely shares her knowledge and encourages others to grow in their practice. Her leadership reflects a deep belief that when school nurses support one another, the entire system of care becomes stronger.

For her professionalism, her vision, and her lasting contributions to school nursing in Missouri, we are proud to present the Outstanding Service of an RN Award to Christian Bertel.