Elvira Olivas’ role as a school counselor at Respect Academy uniquely positions her as a trusted collaborator who creates personalized plans that meet adult students where they are at, puts them on track to graduate and in position to confidently pursue their journey after graduation.
The journey to graduation is rarely a straight line, especially for students navigating complex barriers to graduating on time. Yet, the mission driving education at Respect Academy focuses not only on accelerating students’ path to graduation, but on providing whole child support, accessibility to services and resources, mental health counseling, and individualized career and academic planning.
A dedicated School Counselor, Elvira Olivas, who has worked for Denver Public Schools since 2011 and Respect Academy since 2021, embodies this approach. Her perspective is one rooted in experience and deep empathy. She defines student success not by grades and test scores, but by whether a student "finds their voice, believes in their potential and takes ownership of their future." For her, success means students leave school with both a diploma and a plan to pursue their college or career path.
Elvira champions the idea that education must be personalized because every student’s journey is unique, requiring a fundamental shift away from a one-size-fits-all model. It requires the school to meet students exactly where they are—honoring their experiences, strengths, and challenges—to build an academic path that’s right for them.
Elvira explains, “My goal is to remove barriers, build strong relationships, and provide personalized guidance that connects education to real-world goals. Whether it’s through one-on-one counseling, classroom lessons, or family collaboration, I focus on helping students build confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.”
To deliver this level of personalized counseling, Elvira relies on three essential pillars that form the backbone of what she defines as student success.
Connection is the foundation. Elvira understands that students need to feel genuinely cared for before they can fully engage in learning. Building authentic, trusting relationships removes emotional and social barriers, making academic growth possible.
Consistency builds trust. By providing consistent support and demonstrating that she is invested in their growth, "no matter how long it takes," Elvira helps students build the resilience needed to overcome setbacks.
Collaboration means education cannot happen in isolation. Working with families, teachers, and community partners ensures every student is enveloped in a complete, cohesive support network.
How does this look in practice?
“I recently worked with a student who was off track to graduate,” said Elvira. “Through regular check-ins, family communication, and a personalized plan that included Edgenuity courses and work experience hours, the student not only graduated but found a career pathway that inspired them to keep learning.”
Elvira’s advice to fellow educators is clear, “Lead with empathy, listen deeply and celebrate progress as much as perfection. Every student’s story matters, and sometimes the smallest gestures of understanding can make the biggest difference. Stay flexible, be human, and never stop believing in the power of connection.”
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