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Meet Your Neighbor: Jodie Matsuura
By Callie Thomas
“Be kind… It’s the new cool.” – Josh Stevens Foundation
It began in Hawaii, where a simple visit from one of her husband’s friends from his hometown of Las Vegas ended up awakening a lifelong passion and new home for 89123 resident Jodie Matsuura. It so happened that this “friend” was on a recruiting trip in Hawaii for the Clark County School District and promptly saw what many students would soon learn about Jodie Matsuura: that she’s a woman passionate about children who would guide them with her compassion and understanding and who would make an indelible impression on their lives.
The now 22 year resident has experienced a long history as a counselor with CCSD and has imparted her knowledge and guidance with many elementary school children who have since grown up within the community and taken with them fond memories of Matsuura and her attitude of gratitude and kindness. She continues to spread the word in her current position at Louis Wiener Jr. Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has had an opportunity to become associated with many outreach organizations that have become important partners at the school, but the one that is nearest to her heart is the Josh Stevens Foundation, which inspires children and adults to “be kind … be the difference.” She is proud that in this age of test scores that teaching students to be responsible and respectful citizens is as much a priority as academics at the school.
This noteworthy neighbor gives us some insight into her work, her mission of putting kindness into action and why driving in the car with her may include a unique musical performance.
How did you get involved in the Josh Stevens Foundation?
“Several years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable man named Drew Stevens who shared his heartfelt mission to turn the tragedy of his son Josh’s untimely death into something meaningful. One of the gifts Josh left behind was a legacy of kindness. Louis Wiener Jr. Elementary School is one of many that now partner with the Foundation to promote and celebrate kindness borne in the heart of a child through the Be Kind Program.”
How has the Foundation made an impact on the kids at your school?
“Our entire school community has embraced the mission with students and adults being the difference on a daily basis. We have students who jump to the aid of others without hesitation and who treat those with special needs with such dignity. One student wrote friendly letters to every child in his class and his teachers! Kindness and respect are two of our school expectations and the Foundation helps us to promote and encourage that.”
You have two daughters. Do you use your counseling skills at home with them?
“Probably more than I realize. We have been blessed with two very different individuals, but both are kind-hearted, intelligent and driven to use the gifts they have been given to make a difference. I’m proud to be their mom and they still allow me to be seen in public with them… most of the time!”
One of your accomplishments was being selected as a Nevada School Counselor of the Year in 2008.
“It was a very memorable day; I had no idea that I had been nominated that year, much less selected for the honor. I was attending the Nevada School Counselor’s Association conference, and that day I had planned on forgoing the luncheon and meeting my family for lunch instead. But I was walking past the banquet room and spotted a yummy chocolate cake that was calling my name. Needless to say, it was a good thing I stayed. It was a humbling day and definitely an accomplishment I did not achieve on my own.”
What would you say is something you think your friends might not know about you?
“I like to sing with the radio but usually don’t know the lyrics to songs, so I make up my own. My family likes to point that out, but I think they secretly enjoy my version of the songs better.”
