Sussex Academy counselor named charter Behavioral Health Professional of the Year

Dr. Juliane Hein, a school counselor at Sussex Academy, was recently named the Delaware Charter Schools Network Behavioral Health Professional of the Year.

DCS Network Executive Director Kendall Massey announced the award via Zoom to Hein and Sussex Academy’s entire elementary campus April 2.

Hein, who joined Sussex Academy in fall 2020, said she was very surprised. Students held up many congratulatory posters and signs as her award was announced.

“I felt such love from the kids and staff! Those signs were the best,” she said.

Hein said her favorite part of the job is working with kids, staff, parents and the community.

“I love building relationships, getting to really know people and ultimately seeing them feel successful,” she said.

Sussex Academy Head of School Kyle Bentley said he was very proud to have Hein represent the Delaware Charter School Network at the state level for this important recognition.

“Her dedication to students and leadership in our community are truly exceptional," Bentley said. "With Mrs. Stephanie Sherman serving as the current Teacher of the Year and Dr. Juliane Hein now earning this recognition, it highlights the outstanding quality of educators at Sussex Academy."

Hein holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington College, and earned both a master’s degree in school counseling, and a doctorate in leadership and innovation from Wilmington University. She lives in Millsboro with her husband Billy and their two daughters, who are in third and fourth grades.

Students cheered and shared the many ways they are grateful for Hein.

“She helps me through hard situations,” said fourth-grader Sayuri Perez-Perez. “She is an awesome counselor. I know I can trust her.”

Fourth-grader Jonah Boyce named four reasons why Hein is the best counselor ever: “She helps people when they are sad, mad, get off the buses in the morning, and when other people hurt their feelings. No matter where you are, you help people,” Jonah said. “And that’s why you are the best counselor ever.”

Fourth-grader Eve Crisci said Hein always cheers her up when she visits the class.

“You give me a reason to smile and help me be more resilient,” Eve said.

Second-grader Wyatt Dutton agreed. “Dr. Hein does kind stuff, like helping us learn to be kind,” he said. “I love when she comes to our class to teach lessons.”

Kindergartener Brystal Benton added, “I like that Dr. Hein teaches us about being kind and making good choices.”

The Delaware State Behavioral Health Professional of the Year program is administered by the Delaware Department of Education, which will hold a statewide banquet celebrating all nominees Monday, May 19, when the state winner will be announced.

Each year, the program recognizes outstanding service by counselors, social workers, licensed clinical social workers, psychologists and nurses in schools who offer services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health.

One professional of the year represents each school district or the charter school community in the state program, and Hein now represents the charter school community.

Each district/charter network winner receives a $2,000 personal award from the district/charter, and the state then selects one person annually to serve as Delaware’s Behavioral Health Professional of the Year. The DOE recognizes state winners with an additional $3,000 personal award and $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of their students.