A Bond Beyond the Clinic: Roth Elementary’s Nurse Smith and Felipe

By Klein ISD Jasmine Nguyen

May 7^th, 2025

Klein, Texas—In her clinic at Roth Elementary, one extraordinary school nurse has turned daily medical care into a lifelong bond. Since August 2021, Kalei-Alana Smith, RN, has not only managed student health needs—but also cultivated a special relationship with one remarkable student, Felipe Perez, who began his Pre-K journey that same year.

Over four years, Felipe and Nurse Smith have done far more than navigate the challenges of managing Felipe’s Type 1 Diabetes. Together, they’ve raced through school hallways to bring down blood sugar levels and laughed through milestones. Nurse Smith has grown from caregiver and patient into someone Felipe calls his “school mom.”

A Bond Beyond the Clinic: Roth Elementary’s Nurse Smith and Felipe

“Nurse Smith is super nice and always helps me when I feel my blood sugar is low or high,” Felipe said. “I love her so much because she makes me feel safe and helps me with my diabetes. She's my school mom.”

Before joining Klein ISD, Nurse Smith cared for critically ill children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s Hospital. While that role refined her clinical skills, she hoped to build meaningful connections with children, which ultimately led her to school nursing.

“As a school nurse, I still care for medically fragile students, injuries, and everyday illnesses—but what makes it truly special is the opportunity to build long-term relationships,” Nurse Smith said. “Our clinic is more than just a place for health care; it’s a comforting space where students know they’re supported, heard, and genuinely cared for.”

That level of care made all the difference for Felipe, who needed consistent diabetes monitoring as a four-year-old. Nurse Smith quickly became a constant presence in the classroom and the clinic, helping Felipe manage complex routines and still participate fully in the school day.

The story doesn’t end at Roth Elementary’s doors. Felipe’s parents, Jenner and Tracey Perez, and Nurse Smith discovered early on that they shared more than a partnership in healthcare—they attended the same church, forming a personal friendship that blossomed alongside their professional collaboration.

“Our school nurse is more than just a caregiver; she’s a steadfast ally in our son’s journey with Type 1 Diabetes,” Tracy Perez said. “With her expert guidance, compassionate care, and unwavering dedication, she ensures Felipe thrives both academically and socially.”

Their bond deepened over time, leading to heartfelt moments like attending each other's church services, movie outings, and ultimately, a milestone of personal significance: Felipe’s entire family was present at Nurse Smith’s wedding in June 2024.

“One of the highlights was seeing Felipe break-dancing in the center of the dance floor, surrounded by a circle of guests chanting ‘Felipe, Felipe!’” Nurse Smith said. “It was such a funny, unforgettable moment!”

Nurse Smith exemplifies the remarkable, passionate, and caring nurses working in our schools. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most transformative relationships happen in the everyday rhythms of school life—fueled by compassion, trust, and a shared journey of growth.

“Being there for both the big moments and the small ones allows me to support students in a much more personal way,” Nurse Smith said. “And Felipe—he’s changed my life just as much as I’ve helped him.”

We are so grateful for our school nurses and know that each and every one of them plays a pivotal role in ensuring our schools run smoothly and our kids are cared for. Thank you for your heart and dedication, Nurse Smith!