School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.
I've worked as a School Social Worker in FCCPS for 15 years, initially working on contract providing counseling to students in our special education program and then moving to work as a systemwide School Social Worker, working currently at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and Jesse Thackrey Preschool. I see my role as the School Social Worker is to work with students, families, administrators, teachers, and community partners as an agent of support and guidance. My goal is to promote and support students' social and academic success and well-being. I provide counseling to students, support, resources, and coaching to parents (including parenting workshops) and am the link between our community partners and the schools. I have a particular interest in the areas of mindfulness, trauma-informed schools, and family systems work.
I am a member of the professional organization, School Social Work Association of America. Currently, I am also serving in the capacity of the FCCPS Homeless Liaison and FCCPS Foster Care Liaison to the VDOE.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading a good book, walking/hiking, and doing service projects in the community.
