As a Student Support Liaison at Hamilton Middle School, Liza Alvarez creates meaningful connections with students and families, working to remove barriers that stand in the way of learning. Through her compassion and guidance, she empowers students to make positive choices and inspires a culture of care and growth. Learn more about how her powerful approach inspires lasting change across the school community.
How does your work embody the idea of being Powerful within Denver Public Schools (DPS)?
My work embodies being Powerful within DPS by helping students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. As a Student Support Liaison, I build trusting relationships with students and families, address barriers to learning, and guide students toward making positive choices. I use restorative practices and consistent communication to strengthen connections between students, staff, and the school community. Being powerful means using my voice and actions to create change — whether that’s helping a student re-engage in class, supporting a family through challenges, or collaborating with teachers to build a more inclusive school culture. Through this work, I empower others to recognize their own strengths and reach their full potential.
What does it mean to you to empower students, staff or families in your community?
As a Latina role model, empowering students, staff, and families means helping others see the strength and potential within themselves, especially those who come from communities like mine. I know the power of representation — when students see someone who looks like them, speaks their language, and understands their culture, it helps them believe they can achieve anything. This goes the same for the families we support; when they feel understood and respected, it builds trust and strengthens our connection. They feel comfortable reaching out, asking for help, and becoming more involved in their child’s education. Representation creates bridges — it reminds our families that they belong here, that their voices matter, and that together we can help their children succeed.
Empowerment, to me, is about creating trust, offering support and reminding families that their voices matter. It’s about building bridges, celebrating our culture and helping our community rise together with confidence and pride.
How do you make sure outcomes are equitable and restorative for everyone involved?
I make sure outcomes are equitable and restorative by taking the time to listen to every perspective and understand the root causes behind a situation. I approach each student and family with empathy and fairness, recognizing that everyone’s experiences and needs are different. Using restorative practices, I guide students to reflect on their actions, repair harm, and rebuild trust — rather than focusing only on punishment. I also collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to ensure that supports and consequences are consistent, culturally responsive and aligned with each student’s individual needs. My goal is for every person involved to feel heard, respected and part of the solution.
Liza and her students in Liza’s office, a restorative space where students are empowered to be respected and heard.
Which DPS value most inspires your work, and how do you live it out each day?
The DPS value that most inspires my work is Students First. Every decision I make centers on what is best for students — academically, emotionally and socially. I live this value by showing up each day with patience, empathy and consistency. I take time to listen to students’ stories, advocate for their needs, and help them learn from challenges through restorative conversations. Whether I’m connecting with families, supporting teachers, or problem-solving with a student, I remind myself that our ultimate goal is to help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Putting students first guides everything I do. When asked by my principal what my job entails, I said, “100% student support!” My work revolves around building relationships, helping students navigate challenges, and making sure they feel safe, seen and capable of success every day.
Students at Hamilton Middle School celebrate their heritage by sharing projects that highlight their countries of origin, including flags, favorite foods and traditions that make each culture unique.
Can you share a moment when you saw your impact make a real difference for someone?
A moment when I truly saw my impact make a difference is when students remember me after I haven’t been around them for a while. They would ask, “When are you coming back?” or, “Will you be here for me?” or, “Am I going to see you tomorrow?” Sometimes they even go looking for me or notice when I’m not here and they will ask, “Where were you yesterday?” Those moments remind me that the relationships I build matter — that students feel supported, cared for and seen. Knowing they notice my absence shows that my presence makes them feel safe and valued, and that’s what motivates me to keep showing up for them every day.
Liza shares a laugh with her students, showing the impact and importance of relationships.
What makes being part of a powerful DPS community meaningful to you?
Being part of a powerful DPS community is meaningful to me because it represents belonging, purpose and the shared commitment to equity and student success. As a Latina woman, it means being part of a district that values diverse voices and believes in lifting up every student and family. I’m proud to work alongside people who care deeply about creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for our students. For me, it’s not just about the work we do — it’s about knowing that together, we’re changing lives and building a stronger future for our community.