Although she lacks wings, Lisa Grigsby, program director of Adventist GlenOaks Therapeutic Day School in Glendale Heights, Illinois, is considered an angel.

In February, Lisa received the Angel Award for community service at the Adventist Health System Conference on Mission, for her generous contributions that have improved the quality of life within the community.

"The Therapeutic Day School was created to fit our hospital's mission of giving and caring for those who need it the most," Lisa said. "I was honored to be selected for this award, and I feel it is a wonderful reminder to all of us about the meaning and significance of teaching, with the future of our youth in mind."

Lisa's dedication dates back 12 years ago, when she identified a program needed to serve students with learning disabilities and/or emotional disorders. Developed under her leadership and in conjunction with school leaders, the Therapeutic Day School is thriving and serves a five-county region.

"We have seen first-hand how lives have been changed," said Brinsley Lewis, Adventist GlenOaks Hospital CEO. "Lisa and her team give students the tools they need, like confidence and problem-solving skills, so they can re-enter the community school setting."

The Therapeutic Day School stretches across three campuses with an average daily enrollment of 200 students ranging from the lower grades to college prep. "Lisa's leadership has enabled this fully accredited and licensed educational program to become the premier program in Illinois, and it is highly recognized by the State Board of Education," Brinsley said. "At the beginning of each year, school districts quickly reserve slots to guarantee placements. Some schools bus students as far as an hour and a half to attend this fabulous school."

Students benefit from a three-to-one student-faculty ratio. The school is staffed by caring teachers, nurses, social workers, therapists, clinical psychologists, and a psychiatrist.

"We look at students' needs and create an individualized program to [offer] hope," said Lisa. "Our wish is that they will learn new coping skills, utilize some of the therapy methods we offer, have more academic success, or pursue an aspect of life that they have not tried before."

Lisa is also an active member of the local police youth commission and a valuable resource to the police department. She has supported the community's Character Counts! coalition since the school opened its doors, and is instrumental to the community's annual health and safety fair. Lisa founded the Parents Day Out program at her church, and she tutors underprivileged children.

Julie Busch is a public relations specialist at Adventist Midwest Health.