In our Berkeley Public Schools Program, WE are very proud of our team member, Karla Artiga-Gomez! We wanted to shine a light on Karla as she has been a consistent rock of support to the youth at Longfellow Middle School. Karla started with us right at the start of the Pandemic and jumped in right away to support families and the program. She would regularly volunteer to grocery shop AND drop off groceries to families that were identified in the vulnerable population affected by COVID-19. Karla is a skilled Mental Health Counselor in our program and is now on her way to UC Berkeley to earn her MSW. We could not be happier for her and for the field we all share. The field of mental health and Seneca is lucky to have such an incredible mental health professional. The students at Longfellow, parents/families, teachers, colleagues, providers and all who meet Karla feel supported, heard and seen by her. For this post, we asked Karla what she loved most about her job. Here is what Karla had to say…
Though there are several things that I have come to love about my job and role at Seneca Family of Agencies, the thing I love most is that I am able to intertwine the two most important aspects in my life: education, and mental health.
Over the years, I have heard many comments on my career choice such as “Wow, you must be patient”, “You are doing God’s work with them Seneca kids,” and the truth is that I am honored to work for an agency that goes above and beyond to accommodate, support, and really see each individual, family and community for all that they are, even those who might be most misunderstood in society.
I love that through my role, I can challenge the educational system and advocate for my students and their mental health. To my students and many others whose educational journeys have been extraordinary, I am a living and breathing example of perseverance. I love that with the help of my students, each day I learn and implement ways that will allow me to continue growing into a strong, determined, and successful mental health professional.
The support that I have received not only from my direct team, the Berkeley Public Schools program (Love y’all!) but the agency as a whole, is remarkable. I have NEVER felt like I have been in it alone and they have always pushed for me to go after everything that I want and deserve. Considering that the communities that we serve are very similar to my own, I love that I feel that I am making an impact and advocating for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. I love that I am now able to bring awareness to my Latine/BIPOC communities on why mental health is so important.
Finally, I absolutely love that through my role, I can be my most authentic self and that is enough. I am seen, I am respected, I am valued. Not only as a Seneca employee, but as a human being who is carving her path in this world.
Over the years, I have heard many comments on my career choice such as “Wow, you must be patient”, “You are doing God’s work with them Seneca kids,” and the truth is that I am honored to work for an agency that goes above and beyond to accommodate, support, and really see each individual, family and community for all that they are, even those who might be most misunderstood in society.
I love that through my role, I can challenge the educational system and advocate for my students and their mental health. To my students and many others whose educational journeys have been extraordinary, I am a living and breathing example of perseverance. I love that with the help of my students, each day I learn and implement ways that will allow me to continue growing into a strong, determined, and successful mental health professional.
The support that I have received not only from my direct team, the Berkeley Public Schools program (Love y’all!) but the agency as a whole, is remarkable. I have NEVER felt like I have been in it alone and they have always pushed for me to go after everything that I want and deserve. Considering that the communities that we serve are very similar to my own, I love that I feel that I am making an impact and advocating for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. I love that I am now able to bring awareness to my Latine/BIPOC communities on why mental health is so important.
Finally, I absolutely love that through my role, I can be my most authentic self and that is enough. I am seen, I am respected, I am valued. Not only as a Seneca employee, but as a human being who is carving her path in this world.
Blog Post Written By: Eidit Choochage, Clinical Supervisor
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