DPS Honors School Psychologist and Social Worker of the Year

DENVER – Earlier this month, Denver Public Schools Department of Social Work and Psychological Services honored the School Psychologist of the Year and the School Social Worker of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. Nominations for the awards came in from across the district and were reviewed by the department’s leadership team. In the end, Amber Brydon from Girls Athletic Leadership Schools of Denver (GALS) was named School Psychologist of the Year and Angel Saiz from Northfield High School was named Social Worker of the Year.

The nomination form for Angel Saiz read, in part, “From the day I met Angel, she has been very resourceful, helpful, and always there when you need her. I remember when she helped me with a student who needed some support regarding pregnancy and having a home issue. Angel stepped up to the plate by helping her find resources to support her with those needs and even met with the student to comfort her, so that is Angel’s type of social worker. Angel is someone who goes above and beyond to help their students and always is there for them.”

“Anyone who witnesses Amber’s direct work with kids would attest that they walk away from every interaction with a new or enhanced skill set,” said GALS Director of Inclusion Karen Davidson about Amber Brydon. “Perhaps most importantly, Amber keeps us focused on what is real, gets us and our students to laugh when things get hard, and is critical to our department morale and school culture.”

“Both Angel and Amber are the epitome of the work that is done in our schools,” said Ellen Kelty, Director of Mental Health Services for Denver Public Schools. “I am so proud to honor these two for the work that they do every day to support and serve the DPS students and staff.”