STAFF HIGHLIGHT: PUJA SATWANI

Name: Puja Satwani

Position: Unconditional Education Coach, Washington Elementary, San Jose
 
What led you to your current position?
Over the last 13 years I have worked in various roles within community based mental health programs including therapy, clinical supervision, program development/management and quality assurance. In many community-based programs, I often felt that the system was reactive – children and families received interventions only if their problems were intensive/or met medical necessity. I have always been very passionate about Prevention and Early intervention services and believe that the earlier we are able to provide supportive and comprehensive services to kids the greater our chances of affecting positive change at much lower costs. So, when we were awarded the SLS contract in Santa Clara, I was excited to explore a new opportunity to create a preventative coordinated system of supports for all kids as a UE coach.
 
Fun Fact/Quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi
“Tell me and I will forget
Teach me and I may remember
Involve me and I will learn”
-Benjamin Franklin
 
What does your average day look like?
I start my day with some classroom observations and helping students settle into the class routine. I attend a lot of meetings with the school leadership team and teachers to help them create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. My job also includes coordinating behavioral and mental health services for students so that they can succeed academically. I spend a significant time in the afternoon researching and developing training/coaching materials for teachers and parents, to provide them with effective tools to support the student’s growth. At home, I try to end my day with a run or a bike ride on the trail with my son.
 
Why do you do this work?
I do this work because I have a passion for working with people and helping others. I grew up in a family with supportive and loving parents, but as I grew older, I realized not everyone was as lucky to have such an experience. I want to provide that for our children and families. I strongly believe that if provided with the right guidance and opportunity every kid can strive and achieve their very best – so working with and for the kids to help them realize their true potential is what keeps me engaged with my work. 

What hope do you have for the future of All-In?
I hope that we can expand All-in to support more schools and communities across California, so that all students can have the opportunity to learn and grow in school environments that are inclusive, empowering and strength-based. One aspect of our program that I wish to strengthen is to develop effective engagement strategies to partner with the parent community to empower them and build their capacity to support the specialized and diverse needs of their own children. 

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