Name: Erika Maravilla
Position: School Psychologist
What led you to your current position? What led me to my current position was my work as an after school program coordinator and summer program leader within Oakland Parks and Recreation. I worked with a variety of children of different ages, socio-economic backgrounds, communities, racial demographics, abilities, etc. I saw the differences in educational privileges, inequities, opportunities, and resources based on zip code. I found myself individualizing the tutoring support I provided at the after school program and, after shadowing my cousin (a school psychologist) at her school placements for a few days, I knew I wanted to have a career as a school psychologist to help bridge the education gap for our most vulnerable student populations and bring my work into the community that raised me, East Oakland. I transitioned to school-based work as an MHC with Seneca to gain more in class experience before enrolling in graduate school and embarking on my school psych journey.
What inspires you to do this work? What inspires me is the relief and appreciation I get from families for supporting them in navigating the complicated world of special education; advocating for their child; and explaining things in an understandable way that makes sense while leveraging their students strengths to support their areas of growth. Also, the relationships I build with students, families, and school partners are rewarding.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? An important lesson I’ve learned in this role is that self care and proper work-life boundaries are not only important, but necessary.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself. “Everything negative -pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise.” - Kobe Bryant
Position: School Psychologist
What led you to your current position? What led me to my current position was my work as an after school program coordinator and summer program leader within Oakland Parks and Recreation. I worked with a variety of children of different ages, socio-economic backgrounds, communities, racial demographics, abilities, etc. I saw the differences in educational privileges, inequities, opportunities, and resources based on zip code. I found myself individualizing the tutoring support I provided at the after school program and, after shadowing my cousin (a school psychologist) at her school placements for a few days, I knew I wanted to have a career as a school psychologist to help bridge the education gap for our most vulnerable student populations and bring my work into the community that raised me, East Oakland. I transitioned to school-based work as an MHC with Seneca to gain more in class experience before enrolling in graduate school and embarking on my school psych journey.
What inspires you to do this work? What inspires me is the relief and appreciation I get from families for supporting them in navigating the complicated world of special education; advocating for their child; and explaining things in an understandable way that makes sense while leveraging their students strengths to support their areas of growth. Also, the relationships I build with students, families, and school partners are rewarding.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? An important lesson I’ve learned in this role is that self care and proper work-life boundaries are not only important, but necessary.
Share your life motto or something unique about yourself. “Everything negative -pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise.” - Kobe Bryant
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