Communicare therapist receives state award

The service of a local therapist first garnered the attention of a Heartland Elementary School employee and, now, of the entire state.

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Suzanne Combs, an off-site therapist for Communicare who works in local elementary schools, won the Betty Triplett Award from the Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children. She received the award last weekend.

Suzanne Combs, an off-site therapist for Communicare who works in local elementary schools, was awarded the Betty Triplett Award from the Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children. The award goes to a professional who has gone beyond the requirements in service to the mental health field, among other things. Combs was nominated by Janet Robinson, the family resource coordinator at Heartland Elementary School.

“She by far stands out as one of the best we’ve ever had,” Robinson said.

Combs has worked with students at Heartland for two years, and Robinson said she’s become a part of the school community. She has a “heart for kids” and that’s why she’s successful.

“She does it because it’s a calling, I feel like, for her,” Robinson said.

When Robinson heard of the award, she nominated Combs. Last week, she learned Combs was chosen.

Combs received the award last weekend. She was amazed when she heard Robinson had nominated her, and even more when she learned she won.

“I was really surprised initially,” she said. “I was like, ‘There’s no way.’”

Combs is early in the stages of her career. She has been at Communicare for three years and along with spending time at Heartland, also works with students at Rineyville and G.C. Burkhead elementary schools. She’s glad to know someone feels she’s making a difference.

She said she enjoys working with students and building relationships with them.

“I think they’ve left me more than I’ve left them,” she said.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.