Staff Highlight

Name: Sara Moses 

Position: My title is Assistant Director of Implementation. My position involves a few different projects. One is working on the development of a toolkit of resources to support schools in improving school climate. I also support our Rocketship partnership by supporting clinicians with programmatic logistics and planning, as well as lead a Professional Learning Community for school psychologists and program specialists to increase their capacity to coach school teams in serving students with behavior and social emotional challenges. I am also working on some Training and Capacity Building projects. I facilitate and lead trainings on a variety of topics and had an opportunity to develop a training of trainers series. This series provides training and support to leaders from mental health agencies and schools to increase their capacity to coach and consult with school staff in providing trauma informed, positive behavioral interventions. 

What led you to your current position?
When I returned to Seneca as a clinician, after grad school, one of the hardest parts about the work was convincing other adults mental health supports are important and should be integrated into the school day. When I transferred from an alternative school program to a community based program, I had the opportunity to work with some of highest needs clients and their families and what I found was how many systems needed to be changed to better serve children. It’s something you know, but until you have to get a client, a caregiver, a social worker, a probation officer and school staff all working towards the same goals, you don’t realize how much systems’ structures really impact students and our ability to impact change. What I have found in All-In! is an opportunity to serve children and families, while working to change a system by connecting with and proving support to school staff. I like the combination of serving some of the highest needs students while working to create systems that serve all students well. 

Fun Fact/Quote?
“Just a reminder in case your mind is playing tricks on you today. You matter. You are loved. Your laughter is a beautiful thing. And your presence on this earth makes a difference whether you see it or not.” – Anonymous (If you know the source, let me know, I can’t find anyone who knows)

What does your average day look like?
My average day is combination of the following: Email and phone calls to problem solve or consult on the Rocketship partnership and coaching school staff on intervention strategies. Work time to develop resources to improve school climate or develop/prepare for a training. Meetings with teammates to collaborate on projects. Facilitate a training, a meeting, or a PLC session.  
 
Why do you do this work?
I love working with kids, they aren’t just mini-adults. They really view the world differently and I love hearing their view and exploring the world through their perspective.  I also feel called to work towards social justice and the opportunity to work towards changing education systems allows me to work towards that mission while still feeling connected to children.
 
What hope do you have for the future of All-In?
I hope we continue to be mission and value driven and to use our resources to work towards changing educational systems to better serve all students. I hope we continue to advocate for the inclusion of all students and continue to develop partnerships with schools where we can collaborate and  challenge one another to serve students with high quality services.
 

---