Milford School District Announces Shannon Gronau as Behavioral Health Professional of the Year

MILFORD -- Milford School District announced Shannon Gronau as the Behavioral Health Professional of the Year for 2024-2025 school year.

Ms. Gronau  is  a school counselor at Mispillion Elementary School. This is her third year at Milford School District, but her twelfth year as a school counselor.

The Delaware Department of Education adminsters the Delaware State Behavioral Health Professional of the Year program that recongnizes school employees who are health care practioners to human service providers that aim to improve indiviuals' mental health.

One state honree from a Delaware public school or Delaware Charter School network will be selected on May 20.

"Our students arrive at school with mental health needs that can impact their readiness and ability to learn," said Mark Holodick, the Delaware Secretary of Education. "Behavioral health professionals are critical to the success of our schools and communities, and I am grateful to these professionals for how they support our students and school communities."

Ms. Gronau will represent the Milford School District on May 20 for the honor. She wants to have connections with students and help them along their educational journey.

"The best part of my job is seeing the growth that students make from year to year," said Ms. Gronau. "I love making positive connections with students and advocating for them when they need it most."

She provides students with direct student services, crisis intervention and character education lessons in the classrooms. She also supports students and families with weekend food bags, clothing giveaways and Christmas gift drives.

“Mrs. Gronau embodies the kindness, compassion, and tenacity of an exceptional school counselor,” said Rosa DiPiazza, School Counselor at Mispillion Elementary and former Behavioral Health Professional of the Year for the State of Delaware.  “She easily builds positive relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds."