She's the selfless classroom helper who makes education possible for children who've faced immense challenges.
Learning support assistant Tracy Close, of Kings Priory School, has been singled out for praise as her school is nominated for 'Champion School' in our Chronicle Champions Awards.
But modest Tracy insists "I'm just doing my job".
Tracy and Kings Priory were nominated by Backworth mum Zara Minnis and her daughter, Emily Gullane.
Emily was born with a condition affecting her womb, bowel and bladder.
At just 13 years old, she's already undergone around 100 procedures under general anesthetic, is often forced to miss school for appointments, and needs support during the day.
But she's also an ordinary teenager who is determined to enjoy her lessons and spend time with her classmates.
Thanks to Tracy, this is made possible and she helps Emily fit back into school life whenever she's missed out due to her health.
"As a teenager, Emily is getting to the point where she wants to be independent and Tracy helps her do that, she supports her whenever things are difficult," Zara said.
"She has been on residential trips, embarked on musical theatre and all with Tracy either on the trips with her or not far from her side.
"The way the school have reacted, whatever the challenge, it's as though it isn't a problem at all, there's nothing that's too big for them to deal with. I don't know if Emily would have got where she is in a different school."
Despite Tracy having a life of her own, she's always been happy to support Emily at out-of-school activities or residential trips, and Zara says she's made it possible for her daughter to enjoy a 'normal' educational experience.
Emily added: "She's really, really good in school, and not just with me.
"It's nice, as I get older I meet new people, make different friends, to have a person I can always talk to, it's not just about medical things. She really is amazing."
Flattered when she learned of her nomination, Tracy said: "That's so sweet of them. I just do my job, that's what I'm here to do. It's really lovely of them to nominate me."
Nominating the Tynemouth school, and Tracy in particular, Zara said: "I feel more people like Tracy should be recognised for their dedication in giving children like Emily the same educational experiences that are sometimes taken for granted."
