SUPPORT TEAM FOR EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP (STEP)

What is STEP?

The Support Team for Educational Partnership is an initiative by the School District of Philadelphia to provide mental health, behavioral health and social service support to students and families within select schools across the district. STEP consists of mental health professionals that provide individual and family counseling, case management, peer support and wellness initiatives in an effort to improve success among students.

The Carver STEP Team 

Mckenzie Nash, LPC: STEP Clinical Coordinator

My name is Ms. Nash and while I am new to the School District of Philadelphia as an employee, I am not new to Carver (Class of “I challenge you to find out lol). I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years and have experience working with youth, adults, and families across multiple different settings. I am a licensed counselor and most recently was working providing mental health services within the criminal justice system. My ultimate goal is to normalize mental health and wellness and reduce barriers to services, especially in communities of color.  In my role with the STEP team I will be providing individual, group and family counseling, intervention and developing school-wide wellness initiatives. 

Kevin Sanchez, MSW: STEP Case Manager/Social Worker

My name is Kevin Sanchez I am originally from Chicago IL where I was born and raised. I joined the military two weeks after graduating high school back in 2007 and served until 2017. Throughout this time I visited ten different countries and participated in several humanitarian missions and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in the service, I got stationed in North East Philadelphia in 2012 where I was partnered with the Philadelphia School District as a career counselor and military liaison within 15 different schools. Post military I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University in 2018 and a Masters in Social Work in 2020 also at Temple University. I began working as a School Social Worker at The U School High School during the 20-21 school year and have continued to do so here at Carver E&S since the summer of 2022. Part of my role here at Carver is to connect students with mental health resources and assist with attendance matters. One thing that I enjoy doing is meeting with the school community and look forward to doing so throughout the school year.