Position: Mental Health Counselor (MAC SELPA – Constellation – Grant Elementary)
What led you to your current position: I graduated from California State University, East Bay in Spring 2022 with my B.A. In Sociology. During my career search, I knew I wanted to find an inclusive, interactive, and passionate space that would allow me to serve children in an academic setting. With that in mind, this position empowers me to utilize my passion for mental health, empathy, and diversity.
What inspires you to do this work: I grew up in an environment where mental health and academic challenges were often overlooked, and I saw that struggle in myself and in my sister. I did, however, notice teachers, therapists, and mental health professionals who continued to show up for my family and I and I credited many of them for getting me to the place I am in now. They continued to say “yes,” and showed up for me in supportive ways and I wanted to ensure that students who may have heard “no,” their whole lives had someone that can show up for them.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role: Any time I or our team have connected with a student using a new intervention has been such a rewarding feeling. The students we work with often are seen in a negative or stigmatized light. They deserve to have staff that hear their voice, see them for themselves, and authentically show up for them. When we finally break that barrier and truly connect with a student, we open doors that allow them to access equitable and unconditional education. It’s been amazing to be a part of our students’ journeys!
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself: My all-time favorite quote that I live by is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Often times, in this work, we are constantly pouring into our students. It can be difficult to show up in the way we would like if our own cup were not full; I’ve learned that it’s crucial to take care of ourselves to serve others.
I was also born and raised in Seattle, WA and moved to the Bay Area for college and have been living here ever since!
What led you to your current position: I graduated from California State University, East Bay in Spring 2022 with my B.A. In Sociology. During my career search, I knew I wanted to find an inclusive, interactive, and passionate space that would allow me to serve children in an academic setting. With that in mind, this position empowers me to utilize my passion for mental health, empathy, and diversity.
What inspires you to do this work: I grew up in an environment where mental health and academic challenges were often overlooked, and I saw that struggle in myself and in my sister. I did, however, notice teachers, therapists, and mental health professionals who continued to show up for my family and I and I credited many of them for getting me to the place I am in now. They continued to say “yes,” and showed up for me in supportive ways and I wanted to ensure that students who may have heard “no,” their whole lives had someone that can show up for them.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role: Any time I or our team have connected with a student using a new intervention has been such a rewarding feeling. The students we work with often are seen in a negative or stigmatized light. They deserve to have staff that hear their voice, see them for themselves, and authentically show up for them. When we finally break that barrier and truly connect with a student, we open doors that allow them to access equitable and unconditional education. It’s been amazing to be a part of our students’ journeys!
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself: My all-time favorite quote that I live by is, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Often times, in this work, we are constantly pouring into our students. It can be difficult to show up in the way we would like if our own cup were not full; I’ve learned that it’s crucial to take care of ourselves to serve others.
I was also born and raised in Seattle, WA and moved to the Bay Area for college and have been living here ever since!
RSS Feed