CT Department of Education School Health Consultant
Stephanie G. Knutson, MSN, RN
Stephanie
Knutson is an accomplished nursing leader with over fifteen years of experience
in diverse educational settings advocating for nurses, children and families.
As the School Health Consultant for the Connecticut State Department of
Education (CSDE), she provides state-wide leadership in the areas of school
health, students’ physical and mental health and education. She is responsible
for state-level policy development, resource development and informing
legislation in the areas of nursing practice, health promotion and wellness. In
addition, she provides consultation and technical assistance to school nurses
and other school personnel, community providers and family members regarding
the provision of school nursing services, school-based health programs and
services, including Coordinated School Health.
As the School Health Consultant, Mrs. Knutson collaborates and serves as a health liaison within CSDE, with other state agencies, state and national committees, community-based organizations, and local schools and communities in promoting health and wellness, reducing health disparities, and preventing chronic disease in children and staff. Her deep understanding of the role of health in closing the achievement gap and promoting health to maximize educational opportunities lends to her evaluation of school health services within the public schools in Connecticut, where she creates and provide opportunities for professional development and enhancement of school nurses and school health programs.
Prior to her arrival at CSDE, Mrs. Knutson served the Hartford Public School System (HPS), the state’s largest school district, in the capacities of School Nurse, School Nurse Supervisor, Coordinator of Health Services and Director of Nursing at Hartford Public School’s Nursing Academy. In her role as School Nurse, she also served as President of her bargaining unit and successfully negotiated union contract for school nurses, dental hygienists, physical and occupational therapists within the bargaining unit. As School Nurse Supervisor and Coordinator of Health Services, she was able to utilize those experiences and prior relationships to also successfully participate in contract negotiations on behalf of HPS. Her expertise in the area of school nursing, leadership and excellent interpersonal relationship skills are the building blocks that underscores her focus and commitment to school nurses and students’ health and individual achievement.
In addition to her degrees in nursing, Mrs. Knutson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and utilized her skills in the areas of investment accounting, marketing and analysis in the insurance industry at the beginning of her career.
Her commitment to children and youth extends beyond her career and involves her participation in community based programs, focusing on positive youth development.
As the School Health Consultant, Mrs. Knutson collaborates and serves as a health liaison within CSDE, with other state agencies, state and national committees, community-based organizations, and local schools and communities in promoting health and wellness, reducing health disparities, and preventing chronic disease in children and staff. Her deep understanding of the role of health in closing the achievement gap and promoting health to maximize educational opportunities lends to her evaluation of school health services within the public schools in Connecticut, where she creates and provide opportunities for professional development and enhancement of school nurses and school health programs.
Prior to her arrival at CSDE, Mrs. Knutson served the Hartford Public School System (HPS), the state’s largest school district, in the capacities of School Nurse, School Nurse Supervisor, Coordinator of Health Services and Director of Nursing at Hartford Public School’s Nursing Academy. In her role as School Nurse, she also served as President of her bargaining unit and successfully negotiated union contract for school nurses, dental hygienists, physical and occupational therapists within the bargaining unit. As School Nurse Supervisor and Coordinator of Health Services, she was able to utilize those experiences and prior relationships to also successfully participate in contract negotiations on behalf of HPS. Her expertise in the area of school nursing, leadership and excellent interpersonal relationship skills are the building blocks that underscores her focus and commitment to school nurses and students’ health and individual achievement.
In addition to her degrees in nursing, Mrs. Knutson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and utilized her skills in the areas of investment accounting, marketing and analysis in the insurance industry at the beginning of her career.
Her commitment to children and youth extends beyond her career and involves her participation in community based programs, focusing on positive youth development.