Staff Spotlight: LaFaya Helmstadter - student advocate in LPS Federal Program

March 28, 2025

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet LaFaya Helmstadter, student advocate in LPS Federal Programs.

“LaFaya is just amazing! She pours everything into the students at several different schools. She is able to connect with and motivate all of the students she works with. The positive change she inspires is absolutely incredible!” - Kelly Grefe, registrar, Culler Middle School

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I am the African American student advocate specialist serving on the youth development team in Federal Programs. I support African American students with self advocacy, goal setting/planning, social/emotional support, etc.

How long have you worked for LPS?
I have worked for LPS since 2005 starting off as a special education para, then becoming a student support technician and now serving in this role as an advocate.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
Representation matters. Starting in special education, I was able to witness students reach milestones that they didn't know they could achieve. I got to experience and hear testimonials from not only my colleagues and students but also from my community and families about the impact that I made in a child's life. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than giving a child access to education and allowing them to discover new heights about themselves and the world around them. With those discoveries, a seedling of hope and belief that they too can achieve and be anything they set their mind to is powerful.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
In this role, truly, one of the greatest tenfold moments for me is when a parent says to me, “I wish I had you when I was in school.” That to me, is powerful and shows how much further we have come than when I was in school, as well as the impact and importance of representation. It truly matters and helps remove barriers in communication and the understanding of the community and the district as a whole.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I did. I graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1997! Go Rockets! Also, yes, I am related to those Helmstadters who contributed to three-peat state wins in basketball! :) It was a great time to be a Rocket for sure!

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I have attended college several times since high school. I started with a brief cosmetology career and then went back to school at Southeast Community College,  enrolling in the academic transfer program. Later, I attended Doane University’s Lincoln campus, as I hoped to become a school counselor. After working in education so long, I believe that is where I am finally called to land.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
The tenacity and strength of the Lincoln community are top tier. We pull together our resources, which include people from diverse cultural, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. We welcome hearing about our shared stories and experiences, as they provide a wealth of knowledge for us to navigate our own personal experiences. There is always someone willing to lend a hand and it is a wonderful place for me to raise my children.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley” is my favorite book ever. I read it for the first time in high school, and since then have read it three or four other times. Each time I read it, I am at a different stage of my life, and the lessons from the book have different or deeper meaning.

It is a book that has allowed me to rely on faith in the midst of troubling times. It reminds me to remember my purpose and my mission, while also being strong and compassionate, understanding the importance of being self-aware and knowledgeable of where I come from. I can then extend that same grace and understanding to my community, which then spreads the message of loving all mankind to the world.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Mr. Lucas, my fifth grade teacher at Clinton Elementary School. His belief in me and truly seeing me as having potential reminded me to never stop trying or believing in myself no matter how hard it gets.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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