The Regina Dominican community is very happy to have Regina’s alum and now social worker, Ms. Kelsey Norton Nunez, back in school and at Regina!
Ms. Norton Nunez was raised in Wilmette. She graduated from Regina Dominican in 2016 and went on to Findlay College in Ohio where she received her bachelor’s degree in social work. She is also currently attending Case Western Reserve University to get her master’s in social work. She is in an intense weekend program, and once every month she drives out to Ohio to attend her classes. In addition to her classes, she is also required to complete an internship, which she does at a Domestic Violence visitation center.
Ms. Norton Nunez said, “I decided to return to Regina because of the long-lasting effects it’s had on me. I’ve made lifelong friends here, and I truly grew into the person I am today because of the Regina community. When I had the opportunity to move back to Illinois and work at my old high school, I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. Every day I’m happy to be back!”
Ms. Norton Nunez is the moderator of clubs such as Erika’s Lighthouse and Anime Club. Her other passions consist of crocheting things she calls “ worry pets.” Last year, she gave every senior one at the end of the school year.
Ms. Norton-Nunez said, “Last year, I decided to crochet each of the seniors a little “Worry Pet.” Going off to college is exciting, but it can also be completely terrifying. You may be moving to a new state, you may be going without any friends, etc. There’s a lot of “unknowns.” Therefore, I wanted to give them something small that they could take with them. The Worry Pet was beneficial in that there were many uses. You can vent to it, you can squeeze it like a fidget, or even just utilize it as a reminder that Regina is always there for them. Whatever you needed your Worry Pet to be, its purpose was to bring comfort. I believe it served that purpose for many, so I’m excited to continue the tradition moving forward!”
Ms. Norton Nunez has a very strong passion for animals and was originally going to be a veterinarian! While she did change her career path, her passion for animals has not changed. She has five pets! Her Saint Bernard Andy, her Golden Retriever Lily, her cats, Moosh and Jackson, and lastly her snake, Calcifer.
Ms. Norton Nunez would describe herself as “ a good listener, I’m hard-working, and I’m truly passionate about what I do. ”
Regina’s students and staff are thrilled to have such a friendly and welcoming face in our school. Ms. Norton Nunez is located in the social services office along with guidance counselors Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Beeftink.