“Taylor has a natural way of making students feel safe and welcomed in his presence. He does this by actively listening to each and every student and by never casting judgment. Students know that he cares about them, and they search him out in their times of need.” - Heather Forse, assistant principal

Taylor Browen, school social worker at Anoka-Hennepin Regional High School, said that building trusting relationships is foundational to his work, and he said he approaches each day as a new opportunity to make as many students feel safe, welcome and supported as he can. 

Regional High School students come from every part of the school district, and Assistant Principal Heather Forse, who nominated Browen, said the students have a variety of life challenges that they face on a daily basis. Forse said Browen is adept at utilizing a variety of outside resources to make sure students get the help they need, and he’s also in charge of the school’s food shelf.

“I have had the opportunity on many occasions to witness Taylor take an upset student and de-escalate the situation in a matter of seconds due to the trusting relationship he has with the students at Regional High School,” Forse said. “He is a fierce advocate for our students and will go out of his way to make sure they get connected with the resources they need.”

“It’s an honor and privilege to be at Regional High School with the staff, admin, and students and families we get to work with,” Browen said. “I hope I can continue to be a trusted, reliable support for students to go to in order to help solve a problem, learn a new skill, or just have someone to talk to and feel heard."

The 2022 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony to honor Browen and 13 other exceptional employees will take place April 13 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).