Your Position: Clinical Intervention Specialist or Classroom Therapist at Prescott Elementary
What led you to your current position? My current position found me. I knew that I wanted to return to school based programs, but I was really struggling with my own self deprecating thoughts around being a good therapist. Because of this, I never actively sought out positions at any schools after obtaining my MSW. Fate intervened and I began conversations with the SOAPS Program Director, Adeya Byrd. With each conversation, I was becoming more excited and more ready to face my own fears. I realized and knew that my job needed to align with my personal interests and passion. I always enjoyed working in this profession, but I love it more, being in the schools.
Fun Fact/Quote? “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” -Harriet Tubman.
What does your average day look like? Does an average day exist? Each day, I try to start the day with the Special Day Classroom during their check in. This is an activity where we create a space for the children to say how they are feeling and come up with daily goals for themselves. After the morning check in, I jump into my first therapy session of the day which usually goes until recess. I typically spend recess with the children, observing them within the general population of youth, and making mental notes of social issues that may be coming up for the kids. I typically spend time supporting the special day class after the first recess as needed, or contacting parents as needed. I end my day with a final therapy session with a youth and attend check out with the special day class before walking them all to the bus.
Why do you do this work? I do this work because there is a part of me that can relate to the experiences that some of our children present and identify with. I fill the most fulfilled when I am providing support to a child and assisting them in working through their most difficult experiences, or even if they just need to open up to me a bit. This work is bigger than me and it is more about supporting children to develop into emotionally healthy beings. Every seed I plant today, has the potential to grow tomorrow.