We all know her—the warm smile in the hallway, the calm voice when things feel heavy. Ms. Ezra isn’t just our school counselor; she is one of the hearts of Stuart. What you may not know is that her light doesn’t stop when the school day ends.

With her son Zevastian (Zevas) in the Lower School, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with him daily. Within five minutes of being around him, you can see exactly what kind of love, patience, and kindness she brings into the world. He is thoughtful, respectful, and has the sweetest laugh, a true reflection of her.

Honestly, it’s no surprise. Anyone who knows Ms. Ezra knows she gives her all to the people she cares about, and that includes all of us. She checks in when you don’t even know you need it. She shows up, listens, and makes you feel like more than just a grade, a label, or someone passing by in the hallway. For so many of us, she is the person we turn to when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure.

For me personally, our shared culture, her being Dominican and me being Puerto Rican, has created a special kind of bond. Whether it is talking about hair, language, or food, there is comfort in knowing someone just gets it. That connection is rare, and with Ms. Ezra, it is real.

Even with everything she has going on outside of school, she still makes space for others. It is not just her job, it’s who she is. And with it being Mental Health Awareness Month, it feels right to recognize someone who lives what they encourage.

So, this is for Ms. Ezra: the counselor, the mom, the listener, and the steady presence we didn’t even know we needed. Thank you for showing us what strength, grace, and heart look like all at once.