Graham County Schools liaison wins regional award
Robbinsville – Graham County Schools’ Mental Health Liaison Sunny Jenkins is known by students and faculty for her friendliness, willingness to help and love for all children.
Recently, Jenkins received the “Champion for Children” award, presented by the Region A Children’s Partnership and the Carolina Mountain Trust for Children and Youth. “Champion for Children” is an award presented to advocates who positively impact children’s lives.
The Region A Children’s Partnership includes Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, as well as the Qualla Boundary Smart Start teams.
This fall, the partnership accepted nominations from community members throughout the region to recognize individuals who do great things for children.
Jenkins is a licensed mental health clinician. She has had formal training in trauma-focused therapy and in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Jenkins obtained her professional degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and joined the Graham County School System in 2021.
She serves students in the K-12 setting who present with crisis situations, and trains teachers and staff members on topics related to mental health.
In addition to the recognition, Jenkins received a gift card and a grant presented to the nonprofit of her choice.
“There is such a big need for mental health awareness – and it just gets bigger,” Jenkins shared.
Jenkins spends her days building relationships and developing strong bonds with children who are struggling. She spends her free time with her family, her animals and traveling.