Position: Clinician at Ford Elementary School.
What led you to your current position? I have a background in working with young children, first in a childcare setting as a teacher assistant and then in a shelter setting for unhoused families with children. At the shelter, one of my responsibilities involved developing and implementing therapeutic activities to increase family bonding and social-emotional skills. This work was challenging but extremely rewarding for me. After five fulfilling years at the shelter, I felt like something was missing. I realized that I was longing to take my passion for supporting families and children to the next level by embarking on a more clinical journey. This journey led me to a master's program in social work which opened up the possibility for me to explore more opportunities for healing and child wellness. When I stumbled upon Seneca in my job search, I was reminded of many people whom I crossed paths with who spoke so highly of Seneca and it's different programs. I was excited to apply to Seneca and hoped that I would be able to land my dream position as a clinician with them. When I heard back from Seneca after my interview, my response was a no brainer!
What inspires you to do this work? I am a "glass half full" (rather than half empty) kind of person. I love searching for the small wins in this work and I hold onto the moments of compassion, growth and success. For me, these small moments get me up in the morning with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. I also adore working with children because I get to see the word though their creative and innovative eyes. I learn so much every day from the people I serve, and this feeds my soul.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? Recently at work, a student shared with me that he wanted to leave the school because he felt unseen and undervalued. After connecting with more staff, we were able to brainstorm and develop a plan to help the student feel like an active and important member of the school community by offering him two leadership roles. The student later told me (with a smile from ear to ear) that he didn't want to leave school anymore because he was CHOSEN to be a "junior coach"! I felt so moved by the significant impact that the sense of belonging can have on a child, and this is just one example of the small moments that I hold onto.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself. My life motto is that everything happens for a reason.
What led you to your current position? I have a background in working with young children, first in a childcare setting as a teacher assistant and then in a shelter setting for unhoused families with children. At the shelter, one of my responsibilities involved developing and implementing therapeutic activities to increase family bonding and social-emotional skills. This work was challenging but extremely rewarding for me. After five fulfilling years at the shelter, I felt like something was missing. I realized that I was longing to take my passion for supporting families and children to the next level by embarking on a more clinical journey. This journey led me to a master's program in social work which opened up the possibility for me to explore more opportunities for healing and child wellness. When I stumbled upon Seneca in my job search, I was reminded of many people whom I crossed paths with who spoke so highly of Seneca and it's different programs. I was excited to apply to Seneca and hoped that I would be able to land my dream position as a clinician with them. When I heard back from Seneca after my interview, my response was a no brainer!
What inspires you to do this work? I am a "glass half full" (rather than half empty) kind of person. I love searching for the small wins in this work and I hold onto the moments of compassion, growth and success. For me, these small moments get me up in the morning with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. I also adore working with children because I get to see the word though their creative and innovative eyes. I learn so much every day from the people I serve, and this feeds my soul.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? Recently at work, a student shared with me that he wanted to leave the school because he felt unseen and undervalued. After connecting with more staff, we were able to brainstorm and develop a plan to help the student feel like an active and important member of the school community by offering him two leadership roles. The student later told me (with a smile from ear to ear) that he didn't want to leave school anymore because he was CHOSEN to be a "junior coach"! I felt so moved by the significant impact that the sense of belonging can have on a child, and this is just one example of the small moments that I hold onto.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself. My life motto is that everything happens for a reason.
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