Denise Proudfoot is the school nurse at South Salem High School. She graduated college from Cedarville University and has been South’s on-campus nurse for seven years. Before wanting to be a nurse she wanted to be involved in camp work to be a camp director, but decided to stick with nursing.
“I get to spend time with kids and get to know them, and see kids grow into themselves. That’s one of my favorites,” Mrs. Proudfoot said when asked what her favorite part about her job is.
“I believe, especially at this age, it is important to look at a student’s entire health. It helps the spectrum of their health, by looking at that and trying to figure out when there’s a barrier to find out how healthy you can feel and come to school to figure that out.” Proudfoot said after being asked what advice she would give to students who are thinking about becoming a school nurse.
Other than being a school nurse, Proudfoot loves to go on hikes, snowshoeing, adventuring and going to concerts. One of her favorite hiking spots is the Cascade Head Trail. She also loves photography, which happens to be one of her hidden talents. Her favorite artist at the moment is Brandi Carlile, who is a songwriter and producer.
Something that inspires Mrs. Proudfoot is helping anyone learn how to be fully healthy.
“Whether they’re students, my peers, myself, my friends, or colleagues and to help them know themselves and to be themselves in every little step for our lifetime. Take another step into more authenticity, more of who were made to be,” Proudfoot said.
