By Pareasa Rahimi
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing alumna Elisabeth Goodman, BSN, RN (BSN 2017), has been named the 2026 Alabama Registered School Nurse of the Year by the Alabama Association of School Nurses. Goodman has served as a school nurse at Shades Mountain Elementary School since 2022. Prior to joining the school, she spent nine years at UAB Hospital on the Hematology/Oncology Specialty Unit.
“I am truly honored by the recognition, and it means so much to me to be able to represent school nursing and share more about the work we are doing at Shades Mountain,” Goodman said.
Since joining Shades Mountain Elementary, Goodman has prioritized creating a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond the health room. She enjoys finding creative ways to bring health education, prevention and wellness opportunities to students, staff, families and the surrounding community. She also is passionate about medical missions and serving others and is grateful that nursing has given her many opportunities to do both.
“I felt a strong calling to transition into school nursing, where I could care for children in a completely different setting and have an opportunity to focus on prevention, education, wellness and building relationships with students, families and staff,” Goodman said. “It combines both passions of mine for teaching and nursing. Growing up, I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but I changed my major in college when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Goodman has contributed to the well-being and success of students, staff and families through her care, advocacy and leadership in health and wellness. In 2022, she launched the district’s first nurse-led Hoover Community Health and Wellness Fair, bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, wellness professionals, local businesses and school resources, with the goal of connecting families to services they may not otherwise know are available. The event offers health screenings, educational resources, children's activities, wellness information and opportunities for families to interact directly with healthcare professionals.
“I wanted to create something that brought healthcare and wellness resources directly to families in our community in a way that was approachable, fun and accessible,” Goodman said. “What started with around 25 booths has continued to grow each year. One of my favorite parts is watching the event grow from something I initially dreamed up into something that so many people now feel ownership of and are excited to be a part of. It has become a true community effort.”
This year’s Health Fair is Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hunter Street Baptist Church and will include free health screenings, local vendors, a food truck and giveaways.
Goodman has led several staff initiatives at Shades Mountain Elementary School, including wellness challenges, Whole30 groups, bingo-style challenges, walking and exercise challenges, hydration and nutrition goals, kickboxing classes as well as a football-themed fantasy league.
“I have really enjoyed developing staff wellness initiatives because I believe caring for our school staff is just as important as caring for our students,” Goodman said. “Teachers and school employees give so much of themselves every day, and I wanted wellness to feel fun, encouraging and achievable rather than another obligation. I try to incorporate a little bit of fun and friendly competition while encouraging realistic, healthy habits. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating a culture where staff members feel supported in taking care of themselves and where wellness becomes something we can do together. I have loved seeing staff members encourage one another and participate in ways that work for them.”
Goodman was honored in June at the AASN Annual Conference in Fairhope, Alabama.