District Nurse and Health Clerk at Travis Ranch Honored by Board with “You Are The Advantage” Award

On Tuesday, November 19, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Board of Education honored district registered nurse Elise Saylors and Travis Ranch health clerk Jennifer Gallegos with the You Are the Advantage Award. Elise and Jennifer recently demonstrated extraordinary heroism by acting swiftly to save a young student experiencing anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The You Are the Advantage Award recognizes community members, organizations, and employees who embody the district’s four core values of excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation. It is the district’s highest honor.

Elise Saylors has distinguished herself as an exemplary school nurse, supporting the well-being of over 3,700 students across Yorba Linda High School, Fairmont Elementary, OCSCS, and Travis Ranch School. A member of the PYLUSD team since 2011, Elise previously enjoyed an impressive 20-year career as the Director of Quality Management at PIH Health Downey Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal State Dominguez Hills, earned her School Nursing Credential from Cal State Fullerton, and is a Nationally Certified School Nurse. Elise also serves as Treasurer of the Orange County School Nurse Organization.

Elise is a proud PYLUSD parent, with all four of her children graduating from district schools. Her family reflects her dedication to excellence, with two of her children pursuing healthcare careers—one in optometry and another in emergency medicine.

Health Services Administrator Michelle DeHaven praised Elise, saying: “It is both an honor and a privilege to work alongside Elise. She is not only a caring and compassionate professional but also an incredibly skilled and highly qualified school nurse. Her quick thinking and effective response in high-pressure situations are truly remarkable. Elise, your dedication to our school community and your exceptional problem-solving abilities are deeply appreciated. You are an integral part of our team, and we are so fortunate to have you with us. Thank you for all that you do every day to ensure our students’ health and safety.”

Jennifer Gallegos joined PYLUSD in March 2023 as a health clerk at Travis Ranch School, where she quickly demonstrated her commitment to student safety. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Gender, Ethnic, and Multicultural Studies from Cal Poly Pomona and has found her passion in healthcare and supporting children.

Last month, Jennifer’s calm demeanor and swift action were pivotal in saving a student’s life. When a fourth-grader experienced an allergic reaction to a bee sting, Jennifer immediately applied her first-aid training and contacted Elise for guidance. Elise arrived quickly, and together they identified the reaction as anaphylaxis and administered an EpiPen, potentially saving the child’s life. Their teamwork exemplifies their dedication to the health and safety of PYLUSD students.

Travis Ranch Principal Kristen Petrovacki commended Jennifer, saying: “Her calm demeanor and composure under pressure were instrumental in ensuring the best possible outcome. We are deeply grateful for her exceptional dedication in our health office, knowing our students are in capable and caring hands.”

This critical incident underscores the importance of California Education Code Section 49414, which requires all public schools to be equipped with emergency epinephrine auto-injectors to treat anaphylaxis. At PYLUSD, credentialed school nurses ensure staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, exemplifying the district’s commitment to student safety.

The Board of Education and district are proud to have presented Elise Saylors and Jennifer Gallegos with the You Are the Advantage Award! Congratulations!