Colleen Bouyea-Essency is beginning a new era as the Chancellor Livingston Elementary School nurse. The Kingston resident is working in a school for the first time after working in a hospital setting during her 25-year career.
Bouyea-Essency worked locally at Vassar Brothers Hospital, Northern Dutchess Hospital, Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital and Health Alliance, serving as a nurse in the intensive care unit, critical care, stroke care and the emergency room.
“I had all that adrenalin rush throughout my whole career,” she said. “I’m in my nanna era. I have two young grandchildren and I love being with them, so this seemed like a natural fit.
“I want the children to be taken care of and safe.”
Bouyea-Essency shared her early impressions of the school and district.
“Everybody is so student-centric,” she said. “It really puts the students at the center of the decision-making in all of the processes and improvements they’re making in the district. I think that’s been wonderful as a community member to see. The atmosphere is family like and everyone has been so welcoming to me.
“I’m so happy to be here.”
Brett King, principal of CLS, said Bouyea-Essency has been a great addition to the school.
“Anyone who enters the CLS health office is greeted with a smile and she has already shown the capacity to go above and beyond for the staff and students at CLS,” he said. “We are really lucky to have her join the Chancellor team!”
Born and raised in Kingston, Bouyea-Essency earned a degree in music performance at SUNY New Paltz before deciding to try nursing and receiving her degree to be a registered nurse from Mount St. Mary College.
Bouyea-Essency and her husband Joseph will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in November. They have a son, Brady, and daughter, Cheyenne.
Bouyea-Essency enjoys gardening and spending time with her family and three rescue dogs.