Behavioral Support Professional of the Year
A BHP Award is given to a school employee whose position is health care practitioner or social or human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health, such as
• School counselors • School social workers • Licensed clinical social workers • school psychologists • School nurses
Nominate our Behavioral Health Professional of the Year
Do you know a CSD staff member who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference?
A BHP Award is given to a school employee whose position is a health care practitioner or social or human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual’s mental health, such as
• School counselors • School social workers
• Licensed clinical social workers • School psychologists
• School nurses
If you have questions or comments, please email Cheri Woodall, Supervisor of Health and Wellness, at cheri.woodall@colonial.k12.de.us
Nomination will be accepted through Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Tanya Aviola
2025 Behavioral Health Professional of the Year
School Counselor at New Castle Elementary School
Tanya Aviola is a dedicated Professional School Counselor with over two decades of experience in elementary education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware in 1990 and later obtained a Master of Education in School Counseling in 2002. Throughout her 22-year tenure as an elementary school counselor, Tanya has demonstrated a profound commitment to student development and well-being.
In addition to her counseling role, Tanya achieved a professional certificate as a Grief and Loss Specialist through the American School Counselor Association. She has also volunteered as a grief counselor at Supporting Kidds, providing invaluable support to children navigating loss. Her innovative spirit led to the creation of a mentor program in partnership with Discover Bank in 2013, which matched nearly 70 bank volunteers with students, earning her the Teacher of the Year award that year.
Most recently, Tanya and her Labrador retriever, Ravi, became the first certified pet therapy team in the Colonial School District, offering therapeutic support to students at New Castle Elementary School. The guiding principle of the pet therapy program is "All kids want to do well. Some days are just "ruffer" than others" She hopes her students remember her for how she made them feel. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tanya cherishes time spent with friends and family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoys summer visits to the beach.