WALDORF, Md., June 5, 2025 — Natasha Williams, a school nurse at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, has been named the inaugural Nurse of the Year for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). Williams, who has served at Stoddert for 23 years, was selected from nominations submitted by CCPS staff and reviewed by a committee from the CCPS Student Services department.
“More than just a nurse, she is a counselor, advocate, problem-solver and team player—wearing many hats with grace and heart,” Tami Dahm, administrative intern at Stoddert, said. “Her ability to build trusting relationships creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel seen and valued, and staff feel reassured knowing she’s always there to help.”
The CCPS Nurse of the Year award, established through a partnership between CCPS and the county’s department of health, recognizes exceptional dedication to student health. Desiree Colvin, school health program manager, said nominations highlighted Williams’ impact. “I was pretty excited that she won,” Colvin said. “Nurse Williams has been with the program for over two decades giving dedicated service to students.”
Williams’ career began in Ohio, inspired by her mother, a retired nurse. “I would think I was the nurse,” Williams joked about accompanying her mother to work. After graduating high school at 16, she studied nursing at Ursuline College. Her early career included roles at the Veteran’s Health Administration in orthopedic and medical-surgical units. As a military spouse, Williams worked in diverse nursing roles across California, England, Washington, Oklahoma, and Japan, ranging from nurse educator to family advocacy.
Since joining CCPS in the early 2000s, Williams has remained at Stoddert, where she fosters student growth. “You see the kids mature so much,” she said. “We can see the growth. That’s rewarding.” She guides students from sixth to eighth grade, helping them manage chronic conditions and everyday health issues, from allergies to gastrostomy tube feedings. “Nurse Williams takes care of us,” said Zion Smith, an eighth grader.
School nurses are critical to CCPS, enabling students with chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes or asthma to attend school. “We’re here for students when they fall ill or get injured during the school day. And we’re here for emergencies,” Colvin said. “But there are students who couldn’t go to school if we weren’t here.”
Williams’ contributions extend beyond health care. “Her impact reaches every corner of the school, and her presence makes our entire community stronger,” Dahm said. Nominations reflected this sentiment, with Colvin noting, “Reading the nominations was so much fun. You can just tell how loved she is, how valued she is.”
Williams plans to retire at the end of the school year and relocate to Florida with her husband to craft, travel, and relax. Also recognized was Diane Gardiner, a 27-year veteran school nurse at Robert D. Stethem Education Center, who will retire this year.
Williams’ journey to CCPS followed a varied career path. After working at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, she sought better work-life balance to spend time with her children. Initially assigned to an elementary school, she switched to Stoddert at the suggestion of her supervisor. “I think that’s where God put me,” she said. “I bonded with the kids, been through many principals and staff and just enjoyed it.”
The Nurse of the Year award underscores the vital role of school nurses in CCPS, who support both students and staff daily. Their work ensures a safe, healthy environment conducive to learning, making honorees like Williams integral to the school community.
