Michelle Odlin is the winner for the 2025 School Nurse Excellence Award. Having moved to Kodiak 12 years ago, Michelle started her school nursing career in 2014 as a substitute nurse and became the full-time nurse at North Star Elementary in 2015. She works in a complex, Title 1 school with a trauma-sensitive environment, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and creating a safe space for students, staff, and the community.
In addition to her work at North Star, she served as a school nurse for Larsen Bay and Port Lions K-12 Village Schools. Michelle took on leadership roles, including training for the district’s new EMR system and joining the School Health Nurse Advisory Committee in 2018. She helped improve the district's school nurse orientation process and advocated for the creation of a new KIBSD Nursing Services Manual.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle led efforts to coordinate care, including contact tracing, testing, and collaborating with local medical agencies and the Kodiak Medical Advisory Committee. She was instrumental in keeping schools open and ensuring in-person learning continued. Beyond pandemic-related work, Michelle has collaborated with local public health agencies to create preventative health initiatives, such as a vaping education program and a hearing screening project. She has also worked on improving the recognition and pay for school nurses, advocating for pay scales based on nursing degrees.
Michelle's leadership extends beyond local initiatives. She has contributed to the state level through her work with SHNAC and the Rural School Nurse leadership team, speaking at events like the Alaska School Safety & Wellbeing Summit. Additionally, she helped sponsor a presentation on substance abuse awareness for KIBSD staff and is working with community health organizations to explore mobile health services for students.
Her passion for school nursing is reflected in her continued efforts to improve health services and support students' academic success. Michelle remains dedicated to promoting health, safety, and well-being in the Kodiak community, bridging healthcare and education.
“Michelle is truly the heart of our school, providing exceptional medical care and invaluable social-emotional support. She approaches every situation—whether it be an illness, injury, or a child in distress—with calmness, love, and unwavering support. Her ability to comfort and care for students in their most vulnerable moments sets her apart as an extraordinary school nurse.” Audra Morrow, Principal at North Star Elementary School.
