Name: Shakera Buchanan
Position: Clinical Intervention Specialist
What led you to your current position? At times I felt like the current position I am in almost fell in my lap. Prior to becoming a Clinician that serves children, youth, and families, I was a Case Manager that provided case management services to formerly homeless and homeless adults for over 12 years. It was not until I went to graduate school through an internship opportunity, where I discovered school- based mental health services. I quickly fell in love with working in this setting and with this population. After this experience, I knew that I wanted to become a school-based clinician and here I am now.
What inspires you to do this work? As a Black woman who is the product of the Oakland Unified School District, OUSD, and a mother of two children who are students in the OUSD, I feel that I have a duty to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I am inspired by the teachers, administrators and school staff that I have witnessed fight hard, love hard and give so much for our kiddo’s even when it seems like so many others have given up. I am inspired by the parents and caregivers that despite their limited resources, abilities, and provisions they continue to advocate and show up in support of their children’s education and social emotional growth. I am so inspired by our children that despite any hardships, struggles or oppositions they may face, they persevere with their education with a wholesome attitude. I am so happy that I get to not only witness this but be a part of it in some small way.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? Teamwork does make the dream work. I love our Coordination of Service Team, COST at Horace Mann Elementary School. All school staff and community partners come together and collaborate on best ways to support students and families and they execute this task so well. There have been many students and families who have greatly benefitted from this team’s coordinated efforts and actions.
Share your life motto: My favorite life motto is, This too shall pass. I have experienced many personal hardships in life, as a youth and as well as an adult. I know if I persevere, whatever it is will pass and I will be able to make it through.
Position: Clinical Intervention Specialist
What led you to your current position? At times I felt like the current position I am in almost fell in my lap. Prior to becoming a Clinician that serves children, youth, and families, I was a Case Manager that provided case management services to formerly homeless and homeless adults for over 12 years. It was not until I went to graduate school through an internship opportunity, where I discovered school- based mental health services. I quickly fell in love with working in this setting and with this population. After this experience, I knew that I wanted to become a school-based clinician and here I am now.
What inspires you to do this work? As a Black woman who is the product of the Oakland Unified School District, OUSD, and a mother of two children who are students in the OUSD, I feel that I have a duty to give back to a community that has given so much to me. I am inspired by the teachers, administrators and school staff that I have witnessed fight hard, love hard and give so much for our kiddo’s even when it seems like so many others have given up. I am inspired by the parents and caregivers that despite their limited resources, abilities, and provisions they continue to advocate and show up in support of their children’s education and social emotional growth. I am so inspired by our children that despite any hardships, struggles or oppositions they may face, they persevere with their education with a wholesome attitude. I am so happy that I get to not only witness this but be a part of it in some small way.
What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role? Teamwork does make the dream work. I love our Coordination of Service Team, COST at Horace Mann Elementary School. All school staff and community partners come together and collaborate on best ways to support students and families and they execute this task so well. There have been many students and families who have greatly benefitted from this team’s coordinated efforts and actions.
Share your life motto: My favorite life motto is, This too shall pass. I have experienced many personal hardships in life, as a youth and as well as an adult. I know if I persevere, whatever it is will pass and I will be able to make it through.
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