Dr. Mercedes Elyse Durden
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Dr. Durden is a Hidden Hero because she is kind, fair, understanding, and genuinely cares about the children and families at her school.
One thing that has always stood out to me is how mindful she is that every child comes from a different home and has a different story. Before talking to my kids about Grandparents Night, she quietly whispered to me and asked if my parents were still living. They aren't, and the fact that she thought to ask first meant so much. She didn't want to bring something up without knowing if it could be sensitive for them.
She also understands my children individually. My first grader has special needs and naturally gets a lot of extra attention and love. Dr. Durden makes sure my fourth grader doesn't get lost in that. She notices him, comforts him, and makes sure he feels just as important. As his mom, I notice things like that.
She even has a relationship with my 2-year-old, who doesn't attend her school. He waits with me for his older siblings, and she plays with him almost every day.
I also appreciate how she handles problems. She's fair to parents and staff, and personal relationships don't determine how she moves forward. She listens to what happened and looks for a resolution. She's available when I need to talk to her, which isn't something I take for granted.
My children have been through things that have shaped them, and Dr. Durden understands that without treating them differently because of it. She loves them where they are right now.
It's not one big thing that makes her special. It's all the little things she probably doesn't even realize we notice. She pays attention, she cares, and she makes sure my kids feel seen. - Principal
- Unity Grove Elementary
- Henry
- Northern
