After 29 years as a school psychologist, Lorraine Zelenz feels as if she's at a point in her career where she’s come “full circle.” 

Originally from upstate New York, Zelenz moved to North Carolina to attend graduate school at Western Carolina University. While in school, Zelenz completed her student internship with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and has been with the district since graduating. 

Now, she has her own intern and is able to watch them grow and develop a love for the profession. 

“It’s so inspiring to see that there’s so many positive people willing to take on this role and to continue supporting students and families,” said Zelenz. “I think school psychologists play a key role in supporting students and families, and they’re really an essential part in a student’s growth and development. We play a key role in mental health needs. We support children and families through collaboration, through teaching coping strategies, resiliency skills, all of the things that are so essential and even more important in our world today.”

Zelenz supports Elbert Edwin Waddell's PACE program, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Virtual School and Levine Middle College High School and no two days are the same, but Zelenz likes knowing that every day can bring something new. 

But what Zelenz finds to be the most rewarding part of her job is watching children grow in their confidence and believing in themselves. Growing up with osteogenesis imperfecta, Zelenz said her mom was a huge advocate for her in school. Now, Zelenz uses her story in her practice when working with students and families because she learned empathy, resilience, and knowing despite any challenge, goals and dreams can still be achieved.

“I really feel like challenges don’t limit us, but they strengthen us,” she said. “So I try to have that attitude with the kids that I work with to inspire them that even if they have obstacles or challenges to overcome, that there’s still many bright possibilities ahead for them to achieve.”

Dr. Leah Wade, School Psychology Program manager, describes Zelenz as compassionate, innovative and dedicated to helping students discover their unique paths.

“She has been instrumental in implementing forward-thinking practices to support virtual learners and supports virtual assessment practices,” said Dr. Wade. “Her collaborative effort shines through as she assists colleagues and generously shares her expertise with an intern from Appalachian State University, fostering growth and excellence in the field.”

Zelenz was named the 2024-25 School Psychologist of the Year for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the spring and considers the recognition a “highlight of her career.”

“CMS has a wonderful team of psychologists,” said Zelenz. “We have great leaders in our central office. We are always supported, we feel valued and appreciated, which I think makes a huge difference in our field. It’s been beautiful to be able to know that my work is meaningful and impactful and that being recognized for making that difference has been really, really inspiring. It’s such an honor.”